Description

Summary: 1 globular jet bead (split in half) found near the neck of a secondary (?) inhumation in saucer barrow Durrington G14, excavated by William Cunnington

Research results

An incomplete Bronze Age jet globular bead, found with a secondary inhumation in saucer barrow Durrington G14, excavated by William Cunnington. The bead was found near the neck of the body alongside a group of three shale pendants, suggesting the group had made up a small necklace. Interestingly, the breaks on the bead show signs of ancient wear, suggesting that it may have continued to be carefully curated and used even after breaking.

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.