Bowl barrow

A bowl barrow is a type of burial mound that is characterized by its hemispherical shape, resembling an inverted bowl. These ancient structures are primarily found in Europe, with a significant number located in the United Kingdom. Bowl barrows are typically associated with the Bronze Age, although some examples date back to the Neolithic period.

Description

Bowl barrows are generally circular in plan and can vary in size, with diameters ranging from a few meters to over 30 meters. The height of these mounds can also vary, but they are usually less than 2 meters tall. The construction of a bowl barrow involves the accumulation of earth, stone, or a combination of both, over a central burial.

The central burial is often a cist or a simple pit, and it may contain a single individual or multiple burials. Grave goods, such as pottery, tools, and personal ornaments, are sometimes found within these burials, providing valuable insights into the culture and practices of the people who built them.

Distribution

Bowl barrows are predominantly found in the British Isles, with notable concentrations in areas such as Wessex, Dorset, and Wiltshire. They are also present in other parts of Europe, including Scandinavia and Germany.

Function and Significance

The primary function of bowl barrows was as burial sites, serving as the final resting place for individuals of significance within their communities. The prominence and visibility of these mounds in the landscape suggest that they also held symbolic or ceremonial importance, possibly serving as territorial markers or as sites for ancestor worship.

Archaeological Investigations

Excavations of bowl barrows have provided valuable information about the societies that constructed them. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of burial practices, social hierarchies, and trade networks through the analysis of grave goods and the human remains found within these mounds.

Preservation and Conservation

Many bowl barrows have been damaged or destroyed over the centuries due to agricultural activities, construction, and natural erosion. Efforts to preserve and protect these sites are ongoing, with some barrows being designated as Scheduled Monuments in the UK, providing them with legal protection.

Also see

• Long barrow
• Round barrow
• Cairn (burial)
• Tumulus
• Bronze Age Britain