Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Two boar tusks and two pieces of haematite from Liffs Low
Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Two boar tusks and two pieces of haematite from Liffs Low
Dimensions : Tusks: maximum length 8.1 and 7.1cm. Haematite: maximum length 2.6 and 2.2cm.
Site name : Liffs Low
Site type : Burial site
Time period : Neolithic
Material : Bone or antler; Haematite
Object type : Grave goods; Personal item
Museum number : J93.550
These objects were found with the Neolithic cist burial in Liffs Low barrow. This was excavated by Thomas Bateman in 1843.
The two pieces of curved bone are part of the tusks of a wild boar. Animal bones are often found in graves. Some must have been deliberately placed there.
The other two objects are pieces of haematite. This is a natural mineral. It has a distinctive red colour. It is sometimes known as red ochre and is found in graves throughout prehistory.
Bibliography :
Barnatt, J. , 1996c
Bateman, T. , 1848
Glossary:
Anglo-Saxon
Barrow
Cist
Haematite
Neolithic
Prehistory
Thomas Bateman
Related objects
Pottery vessel, macehead, haematite, boar tusks, and axeheads from Liffs Low
Watercolour showing finds from Liffs Low, including macehead, haematite, and boars tusk
Close up of boar on helmet from Benty Grange
Excavation of the barrow at Liffs Low
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