Doctoral defence: Anu Lillak "From ashes to interpretation: Fragmented, commingled and cremated human remains in Estonian Roman Iron Age (50‒450 CE) tarand cemeteries"

On 7 October at 16:15, Anu Lillak will defend her doctoral thesis "From ashes to interpretation: Fragmented, commingled and cremated human remains in Estonian Roman Iron Age (50‒450 CE) tarand cemeteries".

Supervisors:

Associate Professor Mari Tõrv, University of Tartu

Professor Ester Oras, University of Tartu

Professor Tim Thompson, Maynooth University (Ireland)

Opponent:

Associate Professor Jo Appleby, University of Leicester (United Kingdom)

Summary

The doctoral thesis “From ashes to interpretation: Fragmented, commingled and cremated human remains in Estonian Roman Iron Age (50‒450 CE) tarand cemeteries” examines the challenges and opportunities of studying fragmented, commingled, and cremated human remains, emphasizing the importance of thorough osteological analysis in interpreting cemetery material and understanding communities and their burial practices.

The thesis compares Viimsi I and Aakre Kivivare tarand cemeteries. Although Aakre has less bone material than Viimsi, its documentation is more precise. All body parts were represented, but not all bones reached the cemeteries as the total bone weight compared to the number of individuals was low. In Viimsi, there were differences in which body parts were present as cremated or uncremated. Osteological analysis revealed differences that may indicate regional variations in burial practices. Spatial analysis showed that cremated bones in Viimsi were mainly within the tarand walls. There were defined bone clusters and find complexes in Viimsi, whereas there were none in Aakre. Viimsi bones were less cremated than those from Aakre, and Viimsi bones showed cut marks, which were not present in Aakre. Some bones from Viimsi were cremated after the flesh had decayed, indicating a more complex burial process with bones from an individual being buried both cremated and uncremated. Thus, cremation and inhumation were not necessarily used in different periods but were part of the same burial custom.

Despite the limitations of fragmented, commingled, and cremated bone material, it has invaluable significance for understanding the past. To ensure the material remains usable in the future, correct documentation and standardized methods are crucial. A guide for selecting appropriate methods for different research questions has been compiled, and the thesis presents best practices for studying fragmented, commingled, and cremated human remains.