Description

Summary: 12 jet beads (originally 20-30 found) found with a primary (?) cremation in bowl barrow Wilsford G39, excavated by William Cunnington

Research results

A group of 12 disc-beads of jet-like material, found with a creamtion in bowl barrow Wilsford G39, possibly in a primary position. The beads are what are left of an original necklace of 20-30 beads, which were found with a bone pin (now also lost) when William Cunnington excavated the barrow in the early 19th century. Scientific analysis carried out on the beads in the 1980's identified the material used as jet, however more recent visual analysis casts doubt on this identification, and also suggests the beads may not be of a uniform material and it is perhaps more likely that the beads are made of a mix of both low quality jet and shale.

This object was examined as part of the research published in Ritual in Early Bronze Age Grave Goods; a six-year research project carried out by Professor John Hunter and Dr Anne Woodward and funded by the Leverhulme Trust. Aided by a large number of other specialists the pair undertood an exhuastive study examining over 1000 objects held in 13 museums across the country in order to provide an extensive overview of burial practices in the period and identify regional practices.