Empty graves in LBK cemeteries – indications of special burial practises

• DOI: 10.4312/dp.37.13
• Publication Date: 2011-10-19T19:21:01Z
• Authors: Eva Lenneis
• Keywords: Ornaments

After a short overview of LBK burial rites, I propose definition empty graves, dis- tinguishing them from cenotaphs. Until now, graves have been found only in twelve graveyards, comprising an average 10.2% within these cemeteries, which seem to cluster some regions and be absent others, might due part bad soil conditions for preserving skeletons. The proportion the graveyards varies considerably is highest Lower Austria/Moravia Bavaria. Some 53% yielded no finds, 45% ceramic remains 10% stone tools only, or addition (Fig. 3). There are never ornaments, indicating that when corpses were disinterred they still securely wrapped winding sheets. open questions remain as what kind ritual treatment bodies underwent next, where human finally reburied.