Description

Summary: 1 thumb ring made of antler, found with a small beaker of the Wessex / Middle Rhine type, from Grave 10, Wilsford G1, excavated by Mrs E Proudfoot on behalf of the Ministry of Works, 1960.

Research results

An Early Bronze Age antler belt or thumb ring, found with a secondary inhumation, grave 10, in barrow Wilsford G1, excavated by Mrs E Proudfoot in 1960. The burial was of a child, one of a number buried on the north face of the barrow, and also included a beaker. Simple bone and antler rings such as this commonly accompany beaker burials in both Britain and the continent, some, with localised areas of wear, appear to have been used as fasteners in belts and would develop over time into more elaborate shale forms whereas others probably had other uses.

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.