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
The Neolithic burial at Liffs Low was one of the most important excavated by Thomas Bateman. The finds included these wild boar tusks and pieces of haematite were found there.
Wild boar were common in this country throughout prehistory. They were often hunted. They are strong and ferocious, qualities admired by the hunters. The Anglo-Saxons in particular saw the boar as a sacred animal. Perhaps the Neolithic farmers of the Peak did too.
Haematite produces a distinctive red smear if rubbed on the skin. It was probably used to decorate the body, perhaps during rituals or ceremonies. It may also have had other uses. Perhaps it was used for painting images, like the famous cave paintings from Europe. It could be used to add colour to the rock art known in this country. There are some important examples of rock art in Derbyshire. Thomas Bateman's records indicate that three pieces of haematite were found, but only two survive today.
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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