Megalithic graves in the Funnel Beaker Culture of Schleswig-Holstein

ill. ; 29 cm

il. ; 29 cm

Out of more than 3000 megalithic graves which formerly existed in Schleswig-Holstein 867 provided information about grave objects, chamber-type, type of mound or other specific features of their construction. These graves with an addition of hitherto known nonmegalithic graves of the Funnel Beaker culture are the basis of a thorough analysis of burial customs during the Funnel Beaker culture in Schleswig-Holstein. The present terminology of megalithic chamber types has been discussed and in certain points modified. The author suggests to regard all smaller rectangular dolmens as one type which may be modified according to special features. The definitions of the oldest (primeval) dolmens, of primeval dolmens with an entrance opening and of enlarged dolmens are in some respects not precise enough to differentiate smaller rectangular dolmens according to type. Mostly the tombs have been covered by mounds of different types. Relations between the types of chambers and mounds are discussed showing that dolments may be found beneath both long and round barrows while polygonal passage-graves have never occurred being covered by a long barrow. The construction elements of megalithic tombs and their mounds are described. They show a great variety in many aspects. Indubitably these differences are not due to the differing state of conservation and examination. Obviously some features could be choosen out of a larger variety of possibilities by the Funnel-Beaker people while constructing megalithic buildings. The fact that certain features which can be found in megalithic graves appear as well in nonmegalithic burials is of major interest. Megalithic chambers in Schleswig-Holstein are concentrated in the morainic regions close to the neolithic coastline. It is pointed out that the appearance of megalithic graves and thin-butted axes indicates settlement areas of the Funnel-Beaker people. Megalithic graves were built at the end of the early neolithic (EN Ic ? - EN II) and at the beginning of the middle neolithic period (MN la - MN II). Obviously they were reused for interments for a longer period even after the end of the Funnel Beaker culture