Grave goods

Grave goods or funerary objects are items buried with a corpse in graves or tombs, intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife or to protect the dead in the journey to the afterlife. Grave goods can be seen in many cultures and civilizations throughout history, from the ancient Egyptians to the Vikings.

History

The practice of burying grave goods with the deceased dates back to the Neolithic Age, when people began to bury their dead with items such as pottery and stone tools. This practice continued into the Bronze Age and Iron Age, with the addition of weapons, jewelry, and other valuable items.

In the ancient Egyptian civilization, grave goods were an important part of the burial process. The Egyptians believed that the deceased would need these items in the afterlife, and so they were buried with a variety of goods, including food, clothing, and amulets.

The Vikings also buried their dead with grave goods, often including weapons, tools, and personal items. These goods were believed to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.

Types of Grave Goods

There are many different types of grave goods, depending on the culture and time period. These can include:

• Pottery: This is one of the most common types of grave goods, found in many different cultures and time periods. Pottery can include bowls, jars, and other vessels, often containing food or drink for the deceased.

• Jewelry: Jewelry is often found in graves, especially in cultures where wealth and status were important. This can include rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other items made from precious metals and gemstones.

• Weapons: In some cultures, especially warrior cultures, weapons are a common type of grave good. These can include swords, spears, axes, and other weapons.

• Clothing: Clothing is often found in graves, either worn by the deceased or placed in the grave as a separate item. This can include everyday clothing, as well as special burial garments.

Significance

The significance of grave goods can vary greatly, depending on the culture and time period. In some cultures, grave goods are seen as necessary items for the afterlife, while in others they are seen as a way to honor the deceased or to show their status in life.

Grave goods can also provide valuable information for archaeologists and historians, helping to shed light on the beliefs, customs, and lifestyles of past cultures.

See Also

• Burial
• Funeral
• Afterlife
• Archaeology

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  Backrest of the golden throne of Tutankhamun

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  Varna Necropolis grave goods

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  Conical loaves of bread, Gebelein, 5th Dynasty c. 2400 BC

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  Urn burial, HH-Marmstorf, Grave 216 model