European Bog Bodies: From the Iron Age Peat Bog to the 21st Century By: Samantha Brown Mentor: Dr. Rick Weathermon University of Wyoming: Department of Anthropology

Agenda Introduction Methods Analysis/Discussion Conclusion Background Preservation Mummy vs. Bog Body Methods Analysis/Discussion Conclusion

Introduction

Background Individuals have been dated from 8000 BCE through WWI Scattered across northwestern Europe (England, Ireland, Denmark particularly) Focus on the Iron Age (Four individuals) Many have been attributed to ritual violence

Preservation Interred in Peat Bogs Slowing of putrefaction resulting in mummification caused by the polysaccharide Sphagnan Mallard reaction Causes decalcification of bony tissues, resulting in preservation of soft tissues

Importance of Preservation Soft tissue provides evidence of trauma, as well as, pathological conditions This process also is apt at preserving other organic tissues

Negative aspects of Preservation Decalcification makes examination of bony tissues difficult, particularly in cases of trauma vs. taphonomy Removal of remains from the peat bog may cause shrinkage, causing bone deformation due to pliability

Bog Body vs. Traditional Mummy Preserved due to chemical processes in peat bogs Preservation of soft tissues Bone decalcification Wet environment Preserved due to human intervention, or environmental factors (bog bodies are natural mummies). Preservation of soft tissues Bone maintains integrity Dry environment

Mummies

Methods/Purpose Examining previous research How historical interpretations have been affected by modern technologies

Analysis/Discussion

Graubelle Man 1952, Nebelgaard Bog, Denmark “Over-Kill” Theory and ritual violence CT-Scanning

Tollund Man Jutland Peninsula, Denmark Cranial Fracturing Preserved with a Sheepskin cap, leather belt, and two strand leather cord

Weerdinge Couple 1904, Netherlands Potential evidence for ritual violence

Conclusions

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