Event Title

The Significance of Red Ochre Found on Skeletal Remains Excavated at the Helget Site (21 BW82), Brown County, MN

Presenter Information

Marcy Voelker, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

21-4-2008 10:00 AM

End Date

21-4-2008 12:00 PM

Student's Major

Anthropology

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Kathleen Blue

Mentor's Department

Anthropology

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

Human skeletal remains excavated at the Helget site in Brown County, Minnesota exhibit evidence of red ochre. Red ochre is a natural mineral that has been used by people since prehistoric times. The red pigment has been used as paint and has played a part in many cultures' burial rituals. The goal of this research project was to determine if the red ochre found on the skeletal remains showed significant patterning that could illuminate secondary burial practices. Secondary burials occur when remains are moved from one location to another. The practice often results in preferential treatment for some elements of the skeleton. The precise location of red ochre found on the skeletal remains was recorded and analyzed. My analysis looked at number and type of affected bones, side preference, and location of the staining to the affected bones, as well as the age and sex of the individual. Results from this study indicate that there is significant patterning of red ochre found on the skeletal remains excavated at the Helget site.