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Project
Physical anthropological study of selected skeletons excavated at the site 'Nieuwpoort - OLV church (VLOV162)
During an excavation based on scientific questions following a chance discovery, an area of the ancient cemetery of the OLV church in Nieuwpoort, which was threatened by the construction of cisterns, was uncovered in 2019-2020. Scattered over 20 skeleton layers, 297 graves came to light. The excavations were conducted by BAAC Flanders on behalf of the Flanders Heritage Agency.
During the excavations 196 individuals could be identified among the human remains. The graves were registered according to a number of parameters. If three or more bones were found in anatomically correct relation, the ensemble was given a grave number. If a skull and/or a pelvis (also in the correct anatomical position) were found with the three bones, they were also given an individual number.
The cemetery started in the 11th-12th centuries and remained in use until the First World War. All graves and other traces and structures were placed in a Harris matrix. Based on this Harris matrix and a series of C14 dates, a selection of skeletons to be studied was made within a delineable chronological framework. However, the preservation condition of some individuals is so poor that further research, beyond the observations made in the field, will not yield any further information, which is why these were not selected for further study after all.
In total, 67 individuals remain for further physical anthropological research (including four children's graves). These are in the best-defined chronological range, i.e. from the 11th-12th centuries to the 15th century. This selection contains the 16 skeletons of a multiple burial ('mass grave') that can probably be dated to the third quarter of the 15th century. In addition, three charnel pits located within this chronological framework were selected for further study. Charnel pit S1127 is a small charnel pit, with quasi intact spine and additional loose bone, which may be associated with a selected individual (volume: 1 large bag or half of a low standard box Agency). Charnel pit S1054 is also a small charnel pit (volume: 1 bag with 3 pipe bones). Charnel pit S1081 is a large, extensive charnel pit with many pipe bones and skulls (volume: 2 standard boxes of Agency, including 5 skulls).
The choice is justified in a so-called assessment report (see Code of Good Practice) and will be handed over to the contractor at the time of award. The contractor will also be given access to all relevant archaeological contextual information. During the physical anthropological survey, samples will also be taken by the contractor in function of C14 and isotopic analysis, on a selection of individuals after consideration in comparison with the stratigraphic findings. This is done in consultation with the steering committee.
The final result is a report of which the results and interpretations can be included in the final report, which is drawn up according to the standards of the Code of Good Practice and contains the final conclusions of the archaeological pathway following the accidental find.
During the excavations 196 individuals could be identified among the human remains. The graves were registered according to a number of parameters. If three or more bones were found in anatomically correct relation, the ensemble was given a grave number. If a skull and/or a pelvis (also in the correct anatomical position) were found with the three bones, they were also given an individual number.
The cemetery started in the 11th-12th centuries and remained in use until the First World War. All graves and other traces and structures were placed in a Harris matrix. Based on this Harris matrix and a series of C14 dates, a selection of skeletons to be studied was made within a delineable chronological framework. However, the preservation condition of some individuals is so poor that further research, beyond the observations made in the field, will not yield any further information, which is why these were not selected for further study after all.
In total, 67 individuals remain for further physical anthropological research (including four children's graves). These are in the best-defined chronological range, i.e. from the 11th-12th centuries to the 15th century. This selection contains the 16 skeletons of a multiple burial ('mass grave') that can probably be dated to the third quarter of the 15th century. In addition, three charnel pits located within this chronological framework were selected for further study. Charnel pit S1127 is a small charnel pit, with quasi intact spine and additional loose bone, which may be associated with a selected individual (volume: 1 large bag or half of a low standard box Agency). Charnel pit S1054 is also a small charnel pit (volume: 1 bag with 3 pipe bones). Charnel pit S1081 is a large, extensive charnel pit with many pipe bones and skulls (volume: 2 standard boxes of Agency, including 5 skulls).
The choice is justified in a so-called assessment report (see Code of Good Practice) and will be handed over to the contractor at the time of award. The contractor will also be given access to all relevant archaeological contextual information. During the physical anthropological survey, samples will also be taken by the contractor in function of C14 and isotopic analysis, on a selection of individuals after consideration in comparison with the stratigraphic findings. This is done in consultation with the steering committee.
The final result is a report of which the results and interpretations can be included in the final report, which is drawn up according to the standards of the Code of Good Practice and contains the final conclusions of the archaeological pathway following the accidental find.
Date:20 Dec 2021 → 29 Apr 2022
Keywords:Anthropology, Skeletons, Nieuwpoort
Disciplines:Biological (physical) anthropology