Chamber graves of the Bylany culture (Ha C – Ha D1) in north-western Bohemia

Abstract

This article explores the notion of chamber graves of the Bylany culture (Ha C – Ha D1) from selected sites in north-western Bohemia. The analytical part of the paper examines direct and indirect evidence for the occurrence of such wooden features in grave-pits. Further sections present the negative effects which the post-depositional processes may have had on the archaeological material. The major part of this study discusses the functions, techniques and forms of chamber graves and explores the diversity of such features with regard to their construction, arguing that the main evidence that proves the existence of a chamber is a wooden roof. In result of the conducted analyses the authors propose several reconstructions of different variants of chambers of the Bylany culture. The occurrence of chambers is traditionally associated with a group of largest and most lavishly equipped graves with parts of horse harness, wagons and weapons. However, a thorough analysis of cemeteries of the Bylany culture in north-western Bohemia has revealed that also modestly furnished graves may have contained chambers. The problems discussed within this paper may form a basis for future interpretations of the social structure of Hallstatt period societies.