The Clandon Barrow Finery: a Synopsis of Success in an Early Bronze Age World

摘要

The famous assemblage of finery excavated by Edward Cunnington from Clandon Barrow, Dorset, in 1882 isusually held to be archetypal of the 'Wessex culture' and rich graves. Meticulous examination of the sixartefacts and re-appraisal of comparative material casts a new light on the significance of the group. It doesnot represent a definable cultural package and instead points to a complex set of inter-relationships withforeign' lands achieved, above all, by plying varied maritime networks. Connections are shown to have run upthe east coast of Britain, west towards the Irish Sea, and across the Channel to both Armorica and the Frisiancoast. By contrast, links with inland Wessex were rather insubstantial. Questions are raised about the utility ofthe 'Wessex' label. Although uncertain whether it was a grave group or some other ritual deposit, the assemblage can be seen ina positive light as a record of great exploits in distant travel. The material assembled came to stand for thesuccess of the south Dorset community and its key personages as judged against the prime concerns of EarlyBronze Age society. Its paramount importance is emphasised by the choice of site __ a focally positioned, yetrelatively isolated barrow within a dense monumental landscape and, moreover, a barrow that saw recurrentrejuvenation as part of a cycle of remembrance.