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The article describes the results of a materials science analysis of artifacts from Grave 89 at the cemetery of Karzec in central Poland. The findings suggest a possible specialization in the metallurgical craft of the Lusatian culture during the Late Bronze Age. Reference is also made to similar burials in the Lusatian culture. The analysis of the casting molds shows different stages of production and indicates increased mobility of the craftsman. The results of the investigations are presented in the form of spectra and tables. It is recommended to conduct further research using modern analytical methods to verify these hypotheses. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Ghost Children: Delayed Personhood and Culturally Specific Models of Childhood in Western Anatolia" examines the burial practices of infants and children in Anatolia during the seventh to third millennia BC. It is noted that infants and children were not considered fully human beings in most societies until a certain age. The authors argue for the construction of culturally specific models of infancy based on archaeological evidence in Anatolia and beyond. It is emphasized that the burial of children and infants in settlements during the Anatolian Chalcolithic and early Bronze Age is not "deviant burial," but rather a form of "delayed personhood." The burial practices of children and infants within settlements were widespread in Anatolia during the Chalcolithic and early Bronze Age. [Extracted from the article]

The Harz Mountains (Lower Saxony, Germany) are the northernmost mountain ridge of the middle-European highlands. At their northern slopes sites of the so-called Saalemüündungsgruppe of the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age are situated. This cultural group is characterized by the presence of urnfields, open settlements and some hillforts, the latter comprises the Hüünenburg near Watenstedt, Kr. Helmstedt. The environs of this hillfort are characterized by the presence of further sites, comprising graves, hoards and areas of surface findings. Analysis of the stray finds from an area south of the hillfort, geophysical surveys and first excavations allowed to identify and to investigate an open settlement of about 5,5 ha, situated outside of the ramparts and with still unknown limits. Some plans of houses could be identified. The settlement has revealed finds indicating religious activities and metalworking. Crucibles, grinding stones and casting moulds were found. The casting mould of a ''Griffzungenschwert'' allows to trace high specialised metalworkers at the Hüünenburg. Different scientific analyses, for example geophysical surveys, archaeozoological and archaeobotanical studies, were performed. This paper focuses on first results obtained from the excavations campaigns 2005 to 2007, conducted within the framework of the interdisciplinary research project ''Periphery and centre. The Hüünenburg near Watenstedt, Lkr. Helmstedt. -- A hillfort in the contact zone between the Lusation culture and the Nordic Bronze Age''. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of depositions as part of a social practice is not just an alternative approach to the traditional research question concerning the motives behind Bronze Age depositions, but mainly enables a stronger focus on the question how and where these depositions took place. The present paper addresses the questions whether and how (1) the depositional practice can be referred to the landscape, and (2) the structural meaning of space be set in relation to the depositional practice. Against the background of practice theory, and in discussion of archaeological evidence, a reciprocal, dynamic model for the understanding of depositions (as part of a practice) and landscape (as a materialized structure or worldview) is outlined. The deposition of objects in distinct places thus creates, confirms and renews the worldview, while in turn, the worldview structures the deposition of objects by suggesting specific places (for example marshes). To what extent this model is reflected in the archaeological record, and can be approached quantitatively, is shown in the spatial analysis of hypothetical material traces of a Siberian community. The distribution map of material traces shows patterns identifying the deposition practice, and reveals the presence of a mental spatial concept taking into account the natural surroundings. Answers to the questions on the nature of the practice and the corresponding role of the landscape can therefore be found in the spatio-relational dimension of Bronze Age depositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]