The early medieval cemetery of Oosterbeintum (Friesland)
Egge Knol|W. Prummel|H.T. Uytterschautt|Menno L. P. Hoogland|W. A. Casparie|G.J. de Langen|Elsa F. Kramer|Jaap Schelvis
Part of an early medieval cemetery was excavated on the SE edge terp Oosterbeintum, which held remains both cremations and inhumations. The cremation features, urned burials, a bustum grave, Brandgruben , ash stains disturbed traces ritual, produced evidence 10 to 21 children's 23 27 adults. wood types alder oak were most often used as fuel for cremations; birch also regularly used, Eight inhumated skeletons children, three af adolescents 35 average age at death humans 29.5 years. Women men equally represented among In one individual, osteological sex determination (male) contradicts archaeological (female). stature measured 1.74 m, that women 1.58 One individuals achondroplastic dwarf unknown gender with estimated between 1.25 1.30 m. Tree-trunk coffins in eight number grave goods modest, There weapon possibie second one. Three inhumation graves child had rich content goods. are dated AD 400 750, inhumations 450 750. contained animal graves: c. 6 year old stallion, six male dogs Brandgrube bumt lamb or kit, teal. Four Carolingian ditches, 10th, 11th 15th century well slight degree. northern vole, natterjack toad several mite species allowed reconstruction unendiked landscape.
Palaeohistoria: Acta et Communicationes Instituti Bio-Archaeologici Universitatis Groninganae