Reference

Date 2008

Event ID 578819

Category Documentary Reference

Type Reference

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/578819

HU 393 106 Research is being undertaken on the human remains uncovered in 1977 during construction works at Sumburgh Airport. The assemblage of skeletal material consisted of the fragmented and co-mingled remains of at least 18 individuals. A bone from the assemblage was radiocarbon dated to 3235–3135 BC, making them the earliest human remains found in the Shetland Isles (Hedges and Parry 1980).

The current research is being carried out as part of a wider study of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in

Shetland that was initiated by the discovery of Mesolithic - Neolithic transition middens at West Voe, some 400m to the S of the burial site. Seven new radiocarbon dates have been obtained from the human remains, indicating that they were deposited in c3500–3000 BC, and are therefore in part contemporary with the upper of the two middens present at West Voe which was deposited in c3500–3250 BC.

The research on the Sumburgh assemblage has included an osteological reassessment and isotope analyses of bones and teeth. The former has provided a revised estimate of the number of individuals represented in the assemblage. Evidence of trauma, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, infection, childhood periods of stress, and nutritional disorder has been noted in the skeletal assemblage. Bone fracture morphology, together with evidence of weathering, erosion and carnivore activity has been used to investigate mortuary practices.

Hedges, JW, Parry, GA 1980. A Neolithic multiple burial from Sumburgh, Shetland. Glasgow Archaeol J, 7, 15–26

Thanks to Tommy Watt and Dr Carol Christiansen at the Shetland Museum for providing access to the skeletal

material and for their support and advice.

Funder: Historic Scotland, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and The University of Bradford

N D Melton (University of Bradford), 2008