2/1970

Contents
Secondary Burials in Palestine, by Eric M. Meyers     2
Cumulative Subject Index to BA    29
Archaeological Neus and Views    29

Textauszug
Secondary Burials in Palestine
ERIC M. MEYERS
Duke University
One of the most prevalent and yet least understood of ancient Palestinian burial customs is that of ossilegium, or secondary burial. Such a practice is characterized by the collection of skeletalized remains at some point after the flesh had wasted away and by their deposition in a new place of repose. This type of burial contrasts with the more familiar primary inhumation which transpires shortly after death and remains undisturbed.
By and Large the frequency with which secondary burials appear in the Jong history of Palestinian tombs has been overlooked. Perhaps this oversight derives from the traditional view which held such a practice alien to the spirit of Semitic peoples, for whom disturbing the repose of the dead was thought to be so repugnant. Such an artitude is reflected in the biblical statement of Numbers 19:15: "Whoever in the open fields touches one who is slain with a sword, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unelean seven days (RSV 19:16)." Thus it is striking to note the repeated occurrence of second burials which could only be effected by human transfer. This apparent Hontradiction no doubt explains why so many elaborate
 

gutes Exemplar, ordentlich