Bronze/copper alloy, coral, gold, iron, wool, charred human bones
Geographical Reference:
Represented place: Luxembourg | Altrier
Location:
MNHA | Main building | Floor -4
Description:
This cremation burial was discovered in 1972 near Altrier.
It was protected by a mound (or tumulus) 50 m in diameter and 5 m in height. Fragments of oak planks and wood fibres at the centre of the mound that protected the burial clearly testify to the existence of a small wooden funerary chamber with a side length of at least 80 cm.
Contrary to funerary customs of the time (inhumation being the usual form of burial), the deceased, an adult male, had been cremated and his charred bones placed in an Etruscan stamnos decorated with Silenus or Satyr heads on its handle attachments. The bronze alloy vessel, showing some fire damage, also contained a precious fibula with human face masks – a veritable masterpiece of Celtic art – decorated with inlaid coral, and a plain bracelet of solid gold. Both objects had been placed on the ashes. An iron sword in its sheath was leaning against the urn and secured to one of its handles by braided leather straps.
These outstanding grave goods were originally wrapped in a precious woollen shroud, still partially preserved due to the bronze oxides of the stamnos. Its weave consisting of a geometric pattern of bluish-yellowish lozenges was still recognizable at the time of the excavation.
Bronze/copper alloy, coral, gold, iron, wool, charred human bones
Geographical Reference:
Represented place: Luxembourg | Altrier
Location:
MNHA | Main building | Floor -4
Description:
This cremation burial was discovered in 1972 near Altrier.
It was protected by a mound (or tumulus) 50 m in diameter and 5 m in height. Fragments of oak planks and wood fibres at the centre of the mound that protected the burial clearly testify to the existence of a small wooden funerary chamber with a side length of at least 80 cm.
Contrary to funerary customs of the time (inhumation being the usual form of burial), the deceased, an adult male, had been cremated and his charred bones placed in an Etruscan stamnos decorated with Silenus or Satyr heads on its handle attachments. The bronze alloy vessel, showing some fire damage, also contained a precious fibula with human face masks – a veritable masterpiece of Celtic art – decorated with inlaid coral, and a plain bracelet of solid gold. Both objects had been placed on the ashes. An iron sword in its sheath was leaning against the urn and secured to one of its handles by braided leather straps.
These outstanding grave goods were originally wrapped in a precious woollen shroud, still partially preserved due to the bronze oxides of the stamnos. Its weave consisting of a geometric pattern of bluish-yellowish lozenges was still recognizable at the time of the excavation.
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