REAL BURIALS OR CENOTAPHS? A STUDY OF THE MYSTERIOUS UNDER-MOUND FUNERARY CONSTRUCTIONS OF THE TRZCINIEC CULTURAL CIRCLE

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present a complex analysis of recently recognised funeral structures discovered in Trzciniec Cultural Circle barrows. These features are rectangular and stones are typically situated in the corners, in the middle of the sides, or along the walls, creating unique structures with clearly delineated interior spaces. However, the function of these features is not well understood. This feature form is fragile and slight, which makes them difficult to record using traditional excavation methods. The majority of these features have been discovered over the last decade now that new documentation and exploration tools are available to archaeologists. These constructions are only known from barrow cemeteries and the remains of in situ cremation were also documented in their context. Their occurrence confirms the variety and complexity of funeral rites of the Trzciniec Cultural Circle community. To date, eight structures of this type are known. Four (Barrow 1/I/2010 — Feature 3; Barrow 7/I/2014 — Features 6 and 7; Barrow 2/I/2010/2012 — Feature 1) were registered in the Bukivna cemetery during the Polish-Ukrainian expedition realized by scholars from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kiev, and Vasyl Stephanyk Precarpathian University in Ivano-Frankivsk. The study of archival materials from pre-war excavations conducted by T. Sulimirski and J. Grabowski in Komariv revealed another three features of this type (Barrow 34 — Features A and B; Barrow 45 — Feature 1). One structure of this type (Grave 2) was also excavated in Nieciecz Włościańska in the northeast enclave of the Trzciniec Cultural Circle during recent investment research. Due to radiocarbon analysis, the authors have securely established the chronology of these features. The obtained radiocarbon values indicate that these constructions were erected during the classic stage of the Trzciniec Cultural Circle, attributable to the 18 to 16th centuries BC, which was confirmed by archaeological material found within these features. The discussion of the function and symbolism of these constructions suggest that they could play the role of burials. This is also suggested by geochemical analysis of soil samples from the Bukivna cemetery. However, due to the lack of osteological material in most of these features, this aspect remains shrouded in mystery and requires additional studies. Regardless, the form, location in barrows, and funerary inventory of these features suggest that they played important role in funeral rites of the Trzciniec Cultural Circle society.