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La sépulture mésolithique des Varennes à Val-de-Reuil (Eure)

2001

Abstract

In: Bulletin de la Société préhistorique française. 2001, tome 98, N. 1. pp. 25-52. Abstract A Mesolithic grave has been found near a late Neolithic collective grave during a rescue excavation on the site of Val-de-Reuil, "Les Varennes " (Eure). This Mesolithic grave provided a complex fill divided in two layers : the lower level provided the remains of several individuals (probably three), who could have been deposited one after the other in the grave ; only the most recent one is close to the position in which he was originally placed. Only 9 non retouched flint flakes were found near the bones. The sediment was coloured with ochre ; the top level only yielded burnt animal bones (Cervidae, Bovidae, Suidae and beaver). The cremation seems to have occurred above the grave. Some hypotheses regarding the function of the deposits are proposed, based on the study of the bone remains and their distribution.