Elzbieta Jaskulska | University of Warsaw (original) (raw)
Papers by Elzbieta Jaskulska
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very ... more Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very little evidence of such use in Central European Barbaricum. This paper presents newly obtained results from the Cracow Upland (southern Poland) concerning multiple skeletal remains that apparently share a similar third-fifth centuries AD chronology, corresponding to the Late Roman and Early Migration Periods. Multiple analyses have been performed to supplement archaeological data, including radiocarbon dating, osteoarchaeological analysis, ancient DNA research and isotopic analysis. The complex picture points towards unusual burial practices, which generally spanned from the third to the fifth centuries AD and involved a broad demographic, with no indication of selection based on an individual's biological profile. Isotopic analysis has also indicated the individuals' heterogeneity with regard to diet and local versus nonlocal origin. The results point towards the previously unrecognized unique role of caves in the Przeworsk culture, then present in southern Poland.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2023
Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very ... more Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very little evidence of such use in Central European Barbaricum. This paper presents newly obtained results from the Cracow Upland (southern Poland) concerning multiple skeletal remains that apparently share a similar third-fifth centuries AD chronology, corresponding to the Late Roman and Early Migration Periods. Multiple analyses have been performed to supplement archaeological data, including radiocarbon dating, osteoarchaeological analysis, ancient DNA research and isotopic analysis. The complex picture points towards unusual burial practices, which generally spanned from the third to the fifth centuries AD and involved a broad demographic, with no indication of selection based on an individual's biological profile. Isotopic analysis has also indicated the individuals' heterogeneity with regard to diet and local versus nonlocal origin. The results point towards the previously unrecognized unique role of caves in the Przeworsk culture, then present in southern Poland.
Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very ... more Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very little evidence of such use in Central European Barbaricum. This paper presents newly obtained results from the Cracow Upland (southern Poland) concerning multiple skeletal remains that apparently share a similar third-fifth centuries AD chronology, corresponding to the Late Roman and Early Migration Periods. Multiple analyses have been performed to supplement archaeological data, including radiocarbon dating, osteoarchaeological analysis, ancient DNA research and isotopic analysis. The complex picture points towards unusual burial practices, which generally spanned from the third to the fifth centuries AD and involved a broad demographic, with no indication of selection based on an individual's biological profile. Isotopic analysis has also indicated the individuals' heterogeneity with regard to diet and local versus nonlocal origin. The results point towards the previously unrecognized unique role of caves in the Przeworsk culture, then present in southern Poland.
"Miejsce, które rodziło władzę. Gród z początków wczesnego średniowiecza w Pasymiu na Pojezierzu Mazurskim, 2022
Archeologické rozhledy, 2021
Funeral and ritual practices in cave sites during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age have bee... more Funeral and ritual practices in cave sites during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age have been recognised in multiple sites south of the Carpathians. This paper presents the first evidence for the funeral and ritual use of cave sites with such chronology north of the Carpathians. Unburned human remains dated to Ha B and Ha C/D have been identified in two cave sites (Zbójecka Cave and Bramka Rockshelter) located 500 m apart, in the Polish Jura. Additionally, a pottery deposit dated to Ha B2-C has been found in a third cave (Ciasna Cave) situated near the aforementioned sites. The paper analyses these finds in the context of the local Lusatian culture settlement and the already recognised traces of Lusatian cave site use in the studied karstic region. The results give ground to search for more evidence of ritual cave use in the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.
Sprawozdania Archeologiczne, 2019
This paper presents the trilobate arrowhead of Sarmatian origin found in 2014 in Podlesie, Oleśni... more This paper presents the trilobate arrowhead of Sarmatian origin found in 2014 in Podlesie, Oleśnica district, site 6 by the expedition of the Institute of Archaeology at the University of Warsaw, conducted under the guidance of Artur Grabarek. It was found in a Przeworsk culture grave (feature 109) together with weapons, tools, pottery and costume elements (i.a. brooch Almgren 236c). It is dated to the beginning of Phase B1, i.e. much earlier than the chronology of such arrowheads from the territory of Poland assumed earlier. Similar items from the Przeworsk culture and the Bogaczewo culture are mentioned. The find is discussed within the context of Germanic-Sarmatian contacts at the turn of the eras and slightly later.
Światowit, 2019
A sample of six cremated graves from the Lusatian Culture cemetery from Podlesie, site 5, has bee... more A sample of six cremated graves from the Lusatian Culture cemetery from Podlesie, site 5, has been subjected to a spatial analysis aimed at recognising anatomical provenance of bone fragments within the layers of the urn burial. Even though individual features have shown damage ranging from slight to severe, most of the burials have shown an indication of a repeated pattern, with skull fragments predominantly present in the upper layers (Chi2 = 43.968, df = 16, p < 0.001) and lower limb fragments accumulated in the lower parts of the urn (Chi2 = 28.635, df = 16, p = 0.027). In the case of the torso (the term used to describe postcranial axial skeletal fragments together with pectoral and pelvic girdles’ elements) and upper limb, the analysis has not shown statistically significant distribution between the layers. The analysis confirmed the advantage of the proposed method in determining the presence of the so-called ‘anatomical order’ within cremation burials.
Praehistorische Zeitschrift
Cave burials are generally absent from historical periods in Europe. Consequently, the discovery ... more Cave burials are generally absent from historical periods in Europe. Consequently, the discovery of a post-medieval inhumation of a child buried with at least one bird head placed in the mouth in Tunel Wielki Cave (southern Poland) is an exceptional find. The aim of this paper is to discuss this unique burial based on multiproxy analyses conducted on the human and avian remains, including genetic and isotopic analyses as well as CT scans, radiocarbon dating, and anthropological and paleontological assessment. The results reveal the burial was that of a 10–12 year old girl of likely Fennoscandian or Baltic genetic ancestry, who died in the post-medieval period and was buried in the cave with the placement of one, and possibly two, bird heads in the mouth of the deceased. We propose that the girl is associated with Finno-Karelian troops of a Swedish garrison stationed at the adjacent Ojców Castle during King Carl Gustav’s invasion of Poland in 1655–1657.
Directional asymmetry in upper limb bones was studied in a sample of human remains excavated at a... more Directional asymmetry in upper limb bones was studied in a sample of human remains excavated at a medieval cemetery located near the monastery Deir an-Naqlun, Egypt. Humeri, ulnae, radii and clavicles of 97 adult individuals (mostly males) were measured and Directional Asymmetry and Absolute Asymmetry values were counted for maximum lengths, diaphyseal circumferences, epiphyseal measurements and robusticity indices. Most measurements exhibited some degree of asymmetry with right-side domination and only maximum length of the clavicle was skewed towards the left side. No significant differences between the sexes were observed and only the length of the humerus and combined humerus+radius length did not differ from the human-specific handedness rate with ~80% of right-handed and ~15% of left-handed individuals. The results are in concordance with the general pattern observed in other skeletal samples, suggesting that the pattern of directional asymmetry may be related to factors other than handedness.
ABSTRACT Dissertation presents research on human response to cold climate, exemplified by the ske... more ABSTRACT Dissertation presents research on human response to cold climate, exemplified by the skeleton of the nasal cavity. The thesis is organized into two parts of roughly equal size: first a thorough literature review and background presentation, then the experimental research itself, augmented by frequent referral to the first part and complemented by general conclusions. The research presents data on three independent archaeological samples of populations from dry-cold, wet-cold and dry-hot climates: Greenland Inuit, Greenland Norse, medieval Danes and Nubians accordingly. The research involves the study of the main nasal traits previously considered as giving advantage in particularly cold conditions: nasal height, breadth of the pyriform aperture, measurements of the palate (as approximation of the nasal cavity floor size) and nasal index – proportion of the skeletal nose as a ratio of nasal breadth to nasal height. Additionally, new measurements of the pyriform aperture area and choanae area are introduced, together with nasal protrusion as measured from the Frankfurt Horizontal Plane to the nasal-rhinion axis. The present analysis shows significant differences between the dispersion of measurement of the pyriform aperture area and the nasal index commonly considered the most adaptationally advantageous nasal trait. A strong difference in pyriform aperture area/choanae aperture areas between the Inuit sample and other crania is observed. Inuit skulls tend to have a significantly smaller anterior nasal aperture in comparison to the posterior nasal aperture than observed in other samples (result of Kruskall-Wallis test H=62.78; p≤0.0001). The shape analysis of the pyriform aperture based on elliptical Fourier descriptors (EFDs) shows that the wideness/narrowness of the aperture explains over 56% of observed shape variance. The variable dispersion nevertheless does not follow any known eco-geographical trend. On the basis of the present research and in the light of recent paleoclimatological research and physiological observation of the functioning of the nose in modern humans, the author hypothesizes that Neanderthal noses do not present adaptation to cold climate.
Antiquity
This project aims to reconstruct the settlement patterns and palaeoenvironment of the Saspów Vall... more This project aims to reconstruct the settlement patterns and palaeoenvironment of the Saspów Valley in the Polish Jura by combining unpublished archaeological fieldwork with results of recent excavations at 13 cave sites.
Archaeologia Bulgarica, 2020
The excavations carried out in 2016–¬2019 (supported by the Polish National Science Centre) to th... more The excavations carried out in 2016–¬2019 (supported by the Polish National Science Centre) to the east of the legionary camp of Novae shed new light on the function of this place before it was surrounded by new fortifications and became part of the Late Roman town. This paper combines the newly acquired data with the available information from earlier research in order to analyse the eastern necropolis of Novae, a so far little-known burial ground identified in the studied area. Reconstruction of its location, chronology, burial rites and history is offered, illuminating an obscure aspect of the history of Novae, especially the changes that occurred in the 3rd century.
One inhumation and three cremation burials have been unearthed, as well as a structure which is identified as a funeral pyre (ustrinum) or a monumental grave. The single inhumation grave was that of a child. The excavation results combined with anthropological analysis of the cremains suggest that two individuals were cremated within the grave structures (bustum-type burials), while the third burial was an ustrinum type, the body cremated elsewhere, the remains collected and transferred to the grave. The two individuals in the bustum-type burials were men, whose bone features and pathologies may be related to a soldier’s activities and diet. The furnishing of the graves was not expensive, but the deceased were provided with coins and clay vessels used for eating and drinking, some of them placed on the funeral pyre before cremation, and some used during a sacrificial feast. Combined with the earlier finds, it is possible to state that the eastern necropolis was biritual and the burials mostly followed typical Roman burial customs. It is possible that some of the gravestones found reused in various parts of Novae could have originally come from this area.
The unearthed part of the necropolis is dated by the small finds (coins and pottery) as well as its stratigraphy to the 2nd and the middle of the 3rd century AD. The final period of the eastern necropolis could have taken place in the 260s and 270s, after several Gothic invasions devastated the region. After the cemetery ceased to function, an unusual change of function took place, as it was included in the area protected by the new fortifications of the so-called “annex” and started to be used for habitation and manufacturing, even though it was still recognizable as a former graveyard.
Światowit, 2018
A sample of six cremated graves from the Lusatian Culture cemetery from Podlesie, site 5, has bee... more A sample of six cremated graves from the Lusatian Culture cemetery from Podlesie, site 5, has been subjected to a spatial analysis aimed at recognising anatomical provenance of bone fragments within the layers of the urn burial. Even though individual features have shown damage ranging from slight to severe, most of the burials have shown an indication of a repeated pattern, with skull fragments predominantly present in the upper layers (Chi 2 = 43.968, df = 16, p < 0.001) and lower limb fragments accumulated in the lower parts of the urn (Chi 2 = 28.635, df = 16, p = 0.027). In the case of the torso (the term used to describe postcranial axial skeletal fragments together with pectoral and pelvic girdles' elements) and upper limb, the analysis has not shown statistically significant distribution between the layers. The analysis confirmed the advantage of the proposed method in determining the presence of the so-called 'anatomical order' within cremation burials.
![Research paper thumbnail of Adaptation to Cold Climate in the Nasal Cavity Skeleton. A Comparison of Archaeological Crania from Different Climatic Zones [PhD Dissertation]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/33976562/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very ... more Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very little evidence of such use in Central European Barbaricum. This paper presents newly obtained results from the Cracow Upland (southern Poland) concerning multiple skeletal remains that apparently share a similar third-fifth centuries AD chronology, corresponding to the Late Roman and Early Migration Periods. Multiple analyses have been performed to supplement archaeological data, including radiocarbon dating, osteoarchaeological analysis, ancient DNA research and isotopic analysis. The complex picture points towards unusual burial practices, which generally spanned from the third to the fifth centuries AD and involved a broad demographic, with no indication of selection based on an individual's biological profile. Isotopic analysis has also indicated the individuals' heterogeneity with regard to diet and local versus nonlocal origin. The results point towards the previously unrecognized unique role of caves in the Przeworsk culture, then present in southern Poland.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2023
Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very ... more Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very little evidence of such use in Central European Barbaricum. This paper presents newly obtained results from the Cracow Upland (southern Poland) concerning multiple skeletal remains that apparently share a similar third-fifth centuries AD chronology, corresponding to the Late Roman and Early Migration Periods. Multiple analyses have been performed to supplement archaeological data, including radiocarbon dating, osteoarchaeological analysis, ancient DNA research and isotopic analysis. The complex picture points towards unusual burial practices, which generally spanned from the third to the fifth centuries AD and involved a broad demographic, with no indication of selection based on an individual's biological profile. Isotopic analysis has also indicated the individuals' heterogeneity with regard to diet and local versus nonlocal origin. The results point towards the previously unrecognized unique role of caves in the Przeworsk culture, then present in southern Poland.
Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very ... more Although caves have been used for funerary purposes almost since the dawn of time, there is very little evidence of such use in Central European Barbaricum. This paper presents newly obtained results from the Cracow Upland (southern Poland) concerning multiple skeletal remains that apparently share a similar third-fifth centuries AD chronology, corresponding to the Late Roman and Early Migration Periods. Multiple analyses have been performed to supplement archaeological data, including radiocarbon dating, osteoarchaeological analysis, ancient DNA research and isotopic analysis. The complex picture points towards unusual burial practices, which generally spanned from the third to the fifth centuries AD and involved a broad demographic, with no indication of selection based on an individual's biological profile. Isotopic analysis has also indicated the individuals' heterogeneity with regard to diet and local versus nonlocal origin. The results point towards the previously unrecognized unique role of caves in the Przeworsk culture, then present in southern Poland.
"Miejsce, które rodziło władzę. Gród z początków wczesnego średniowiecza w Pasymiu na Pojezierzu Mazurskim, 2022
Archeologické rozhledy, 2021
Funeral and ritual practices in cave sites during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age have bee... more Funeral and ritual practices in cave sites during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age have been recognised in multiple sites south of the Carpathians. This paper presents the first evidence for the funeral and ritual use of cave sites with such chronology north of the Carpathians. Unburned human remains dated to Ha B and Ha C/D have been identified in two cave sites (Zbójecka Cave and Bramka Rockshelter) located 500 m apart, in the Polish Jura. Additionally, a pottery deposit dated to Ha B2-C has been found in a third cave (Ciasna Cave) situated near the aforementioned sites. The paper analyses these finds in the context of the local Lusatian culture settlement and the already recognised traces of Lusatian cave site use in the studied karstic region. The results give ground to search for more evidence of ritual cave use in the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.
Sprawozdania Archeologiczne, 2019
This paper presents the trilobate arrowhead of Sarmatian origin found in 2014 in Podlesie, Oleśni... more This paper presents the trilobate arrowhead of Sarmatian origin found in 2014 in Podlesie, Oleśnica district, site 6 by the expedition of the Institute of Archaeology at the University of Warsaw, conducted under the guidance of Artur Grabarek. It was found in a Przeworsk culture grave (feature 109) together with weapons, tools, pottery and costume elements (i.a. brooch Almgren 236c). It is dated to the beginning of Phase B1, i.e. much earlier than the chronology of such arrowheads from the territory of Poland assumed earlier. Similar items from the Przeworsk culture and the Bogaczewo culture are mentioned. The find is discussed within the context of Germanic-Sarmatian contacts at the turn of the eras and slightly later.
Światowit, 2019
A sample of six cremated graves from the Lusatian Culture cemetery from Podlesie, site 5, has bee... more A sample of six cremated graves from the Lusatian Culture cemetery from Podlesie, site 5, has been subjected to a spatial analysis aimed at recognising anatomical provenance of bone fragments within the layers of the urn burial. Even though individual features have shown damage ranging from slight to severe, most of the burials have shown an indication of a repeated pattern, with skull fragments predominantly present in the upper layers (Chi2 = 43.968, df = 16, p < 0.001) and lower limb fragments accumulated in the lower parts of the urn (Chi2 = 28.635, df = 16, p = 0.027). In the case of the torso (the term used to describe postcranial axial skeletal fragments together with pectoral and pelvic girdles’ elements) and upper limb, the analysis has not shown statistically significant distribution between the layers. The analysis confirmed the advantage of the proposed method in determining the presence of the so-called ‘anatomical order’ within cremation burials.
Praehistorische Zeitschrift
Cave burials are generally absent from historical periods in Europe. Consequently, the discovery ... more Cave burials are generally absent from historical periods in Europe. Consequently, the discovery of a post-medieval inhumation of a child buried with at least one bird head placed in the mouth in Tunel Wielki Cave (southern Poland) is an exceptional find. The aim of this paper is to discuss this unique burial based on multiproxy analyses conducted on the human and avian remains, including genetic and isotopic analyses as well as CT scans, radiocarbon dating, and anthropological and paleontological assessment. The results reveal the burial was that of a 10–12 year old girl of likely Fennoscandian or Baltic genetic ancestry, who died in the post-medieval period and was buried in the cave with the placement of one, and possibly two, bird heads in the mouth of the deceased. We propose that the girl is associated with Finno-Karelian troops of a Swedish garrison stationed at the adjacent Ojców Castle during King Carl Gustav’s invasion of Poland in 1655–1657.
Directional asymmetry in upper limb bones was studied in a sample of human remains excavated at a... more Directional asymmetry in upper limb bones was studied in a sample of human remains excavated at a medieval cemetery located near the monastery Deir an-Naqlun, Egypt. Humeri, ulnae, radii and clavicles of 97 adult individuals (mostly males) were measured and Directional Asymmetry and Absolute Asymmetry values were counted for maximum lengths, diaphyseal circumferences, epiphyseal measurements and robusticity indices. Most measurements exhibited some degree of asymmetry with right-side domination and only maximum length of the clavicle was skewed towards the left side. No significant differences between the sexes were observed and only the length of the humerus and combined humerus+radius length did not differ from the human-specific handedness rate with ~80% of right-handed and ~15% of left-handed individuals. The results are in concordance with the general pattern observed in other skeletal samples, suggesting that the pattern of directional asymmetry may be related to factors other than handedness.
ABSTRACT Dissertation presents research on human response to cold climate, exemplified by the ske... more ABSTRACT Dissertation presents research on human response to cold climate, exemplified by the skeleton of the nasal cavity. The thesis is organized into two parts of roughly equal size: first a thorough literature review and background presentation, then the experimental research itself, augmented by frequent referral to the first part and complemented by general conclusions. The research presents data on three independent archaeological samples of populations from dry-cold, wet-cold and dry-hot climates: Greenland Inuit, Greenland Norse, medieval Danes and Nubians accordingly. The research involves the study of the main nasal traits previously considered as giving advantage in particularly cold conditions: nasal height, breadth of the pyriform aperture, measurements of the palate (as approximation of the nasal cavity floor size) and nasal index – proportion of the skeletal nose as a ratio of nasal breadth to nasal height. Additionally, new measurements of the pyriform aperture area and choanae area are introduced, together with nasal protrusion as measured from the Frankfurt Horizontal Plane to the nasal-rhinion axis. The present analysis shows significant differences between the dispersion of measurement of the pyriform aperture area and the nasal index commonly considered the most adaptationally advantageous nasal trait. A strong difference in pyriform aperture area/choanae aperture areas between the Inuit sample and other crania is observed. Inuit skulls tend to have a significantly smaller anterior nasal aperture in comparison to the posterior nasal aperture than observed in other samples (result of Kruskall-Wallis test H=62.78; p≤0.0001). The shape analysis of the pyriform aperture based on elliptical Fourier descriptors (EFDs) shows that the wideness/narrowness of the aperture explains over 56% of observed shape variance. The variable dispersion nevertheless does not follow any known eco-geographical trend. On the basis of the present research and in the light of recent paleoclimatological research and physiological observation of the functioning of the nose in modern humans, the author hypothesizes that Neanderthal noses do not present adaptation to cold climate.
Antiquity
This project aims to reconstruct the settlement patterns and palaeoenvironment of the Saspów Vall... more This project aims to reconstruct the settlement patterns and palaeoenvironment of the Saspów Valley in the Polish Jura by combining unpublished archaeological fieldwork with results of recent excavations at 13 cave sites.
Archaeologia Bulgarica, 2020
The excavations carried out in 2016–¬2019 (supported by the Polish National Science Centre) to th... more The excavations carried out in 2016–¬2019 (supported by the Polish National Science Centre) to the east of the legionary camp of Novae shed new light on the function of this place before it was surrounded by new fortifications and became part of the Late Roman town. This paper combines the newly acquired data with the available information from earlier research in order to analyse the eastern necropolis of Novae, a so far little-known burial ground identified in the studied area. Reconstruction of its location, chronology, burial rites and history is offered, illuminating an obscure aspect of the history of Novae, especially the changes that occurred in the 3rd century.
One inhumation and three cremation burials have been unearthed, as well as a structure which is identified as a funeral pyre (ustrinum) or a monumental grave. The single inhumation grave was that of a child. The excavation results combined with anthropological analysis of the cremains suggest that two individuals were cremated within the grave structures (bustum-type burials), while the third burial was an ustrinum type, the body cremated elsewhere, the remains collected and transferred to the grave. The two individuals in the bustum-type burials were men, whose bone features and pathologies may be related to a soldier’s activities and diet. The furnishing of the graves was not expensive, but the deceased were provided with coins and clay vessels used for eating and drinking, some of them placed on the funeral pyre before cremation, and some used during a sacrificial feast. Combined with the earlier finds, it is possible to state that the eastern necropolis was biritual and the burials mostly followed typical Roman burial customs. It is possible that some of the gravestones found reused in various parts of Novae could have originally come from this area.
The unearthed part of the necropolis is dated by the small finds (coins and pottery) as well as its stratigraphy to the 2nd and the middle of the 3rd century AD. The final period of the eastern necropolis could have taken place in the 260s and 270s, after several Gothic invasions devastated the region. After the cemetery ceased to function, an unusual change of function took place, as it was included in the area protected by the new fortifications of the so-called “annex” and started to be used for habitation and manufacturing, even though it was still recognizable as a former graveyard.
Światowit, 2018
A sample of six cremated graves from the Lusatian Culture cemetery from Podlesie, site 5, has bee... more A sample of six cremated graves from the Lusatian Culture cemetery from Podlesie, site 5, has been subjected to a spatial analysis aimed at recognising anatomical provenance of bone fragments within the layers of the urn burial. Even though individual features have shown damage ranging from slight to severe, most of the burials have shown an indication of a repeated pattern, with skull fragments predominantly present in the upper layers (Chi 2 = 43.968, df = 16, p < 0.001) and lower limb fragments accumulated in the lower parts of the urn (Chi 2 = 28.635, df = 16, p = 0.027). In the case of the torso (the term used to describe postcranial axial skeletal fragments together with pectoral and pelvic girdles' elements) and upper limb, the analysis has not shown statistically significant distribution between the layers. The analysis confirmed the advantage of the proposed method in determining the presence of the so-called 'anatomical order' within cremation burials.
Laboratory Manual, 2020
We are proud to present the latest and the first officially published (open access) edition of "A... more We are proud to present the latest and the first officially published (open access) edition of "Analysis of Human Cremains" by Elżbieta Jaskulska. It is a manual for analysis of human cremated remains with an introduction to the coding system and digital forms developed in the Department of Bioarchaeology, Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw, Poland. The manual has been prepared as a teaching aid for participants of the Cremains Workshop - a two-week course of theory and practice of analysing of human cremains, which takes place every summer at the Institute of ArchaeologyUniversity of Warsaw, Poland. During the course, the theoretical background, as well as hands-on analysis are introduced, therefore the "Analysis of human Cremains" is meant as strictly laboratory manual.
The manual is available at http://bit.ly/manual_cremains.
All inquiries and comments can be sent to the author: ejaskulska(at)uw.edu.pl
The Cremains workshop is designed to provide students and professionals alike with an introducti... more The Cremains workshop is designed to provide students
and professionals alike with an introduction to exploration,
description and analysis of human cremated remains.
The experience gained during the course can be applied
in Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Archaeology and Bioarchaeology.
The workshop is supervised by a skilled researcher
(over 13 years of experience in analysing cremated remains).
The course provides practical workshops as well as theoretical
basis presented in form of lectures (35 hours lecture
+ 35 hours of the laboratory in 2 weeks). More details at www.archeo.uw.edu.pl/cremainsworkshop/
Laboratory manual, 2020
We are proud to present the latest and the first officially published (open access) edition of "A... more We are proud to present the latest and the first officially published (open access) edition of "Analysis of Human Cremains" by Elżbieta Jaskulska. It is a manual for analysis of human cremated remains with an introduction to the coding system and digital forms developed in the Department of Bioarchaeology, Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw, Poland. The manual has been prepared as a teaching aid for participants of the Cremains Workshop - a two-week course of theory and practice of analysing of human cremains, which takes place every summer at the Institute of ArchaeologyUniversity of Warsaw, Poland. During the course, the theoretical background, as well as hands-on analysis are introduced, therefore the "Analysis of human Cremains" is meant as strictly laboratory manual.
The manual is available at http://bit.ly/manual_cremains.
All inquiries and comments can be sent to the author: ejaskulska(at)uw.edu.pl
The medieval Mazovian-Ruthenian borderland came under the influence of Christianity relatively la... more The medieval Mazovian-Ruthenian borderland came under the influence of Christianity relatively late. This was caused mostly by its peripheral location in relation to the cultural centres of Poland and Rus’ States. The absence of a developed local administrative and religious network, moreover –up to the second half of the 14th century – the neighborhood of pagan Lithuania kept the pre-Christian religious practices alive longer than it was in cases of other lands. We should not forget as well, that analyzed areas were a zone of rivalry between Orthodox and Roman Churches. As a consequence, within the longitudinally windrowing territory of a range of about 100 km a multi cultural conglomerate has been established, with archaeologically recognized influences of Christian religion and local ethnic practices having their roots in older traditions.
Through the implementation of the research program a comprehensive analysis of archaeological data concerning funeral customs in the area of the middle Bug River has been carried out. Thus, the basis for discussing the stages of adaptation and acculturation of new burial forms and funeral rituals by local communities has been defined.
Antiquity, 2019
This project aims to reconstruct the settlement patterns and palaeoenvironment of the Sąspów Vall... more This project aims to reconstruct the settlement patterns and palaeoenvironment of the Sąspów Valley in the Polish Jura by combining unpublished archaeological fieldwork with results of recent excavations at 13 cave sites.
Sprawozdania Archeologiczne 71, 2019
This paper presents the trilobate arrowhead of Sarmatian origin found in 2014 in Podlesie, Oleśni... more This paper presents the trilobate arrowhead of Sarmatian origin found in 2014 in Podlesie, Oleśnica district, site 6
by the expedition of the Institute of Archaeology at the University of Warsaw, conducted under the guidance of
Artur Grabarek. It was found in a Przeworsk culture grave (feature 109) together with weapons, tools, pottery
and costume elements (i.a. brooch Almgren 236c). It is dated to the beginning of Phase B1, i.e. much earlier than
the chronology of such arrowheads from the territory of Poland assumed earlier. Similar items from the
Przeworsk culture and the Bogaczewo culture are mentioned. The find is discussed within the context of
Germanic-Sarmatian contacts at the turn of the eras and slightly later.
Archeologické rozhledy, 2021
Funeral and ritual practices in cave sites during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age have bee... more Funeral and ritual practices in cave sites during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age have been recognised in multiple sites south of the Carpathians. This paper presents the first evidence for the funeral and ritual use of cave sites with such chronology north of the Carpathians. Unburned human remains dated to Ha B and Ha C/D have been identified in two cave sites (Zbójecka Cave and Bramka Rockshelter) located 500 m apart, in the Polish Jura. Additionally, a pottery deposit dated to Ha B2-C has been found in a third cave (Ciasna Cave) situated near the aforementioned sites. The paper analyses these finds in the context of the local Lusatian culture settlement and the already recognised traces of Lusatian cave site use in the studied karstic region. The results give ground to search for more evidence of ritual cave use in the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.