There was excitement all round today at the discovery of our first Anglo-Saxon burial. The grave cut was clearly defined against the natural chalky ground, in spite of the considerable damage done to the area by badger activity.
Jackie McKinley, Senior Osteoarchaeologist for Wessex Archaeology, came down to the site to take a look and to teach us about the proper excavation of human remains.
Jackie talked us through the skeleton recording sheets and gave us her top tips for burial excavation. These included keeping the edges and sides of the grave spotlessly clean as you work down, and using the right equipment for the job. Jackie’s tools of choice include a small brush, a dental tool and a spoon.
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