Funeral practices in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages in south-western Poland with regard to social changes

Abstract

The Bronze Age and Early Iron Age cemetery in Domasław in present-day Silesia became a source for studies on funeral rites and various aspects of cultural practices and culture change. The observed changes are the reference point for correlating the features distinguished at this necropolis with other sites in the vicinity and more distant areas. The accumulation of elements of burial practices of Hallstatt origin indicate the important role of the community in the region. Similarities between the Hallstatt culture area and Silesia suggest that geographically separated groups were incorporated into a specific elite burial practice. They lead to the concept of treating south-western Poland as a regional, north-eastern province of the Hallstatt culture.