Abstract
This paper investigates a substance found in some Anglo-Saxon cremation urns which has previously been described as "hair slag". The results of a series of visual and physical examinations are described. These show that it is highly siliceous and, therefore, unlikely to be derived from human hair. A number of alternative sources are considered and the mechanisms operating within the pyre are discussed. The most abundant source of silica in the pyre environment is the sandy substrate which may have been combined with material from the pyre during combustion.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 353-365 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Journal of Archaeological Science |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 1987 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Anglo-saxon
- clinker
- cremation
- hair
- scanning electron microscopy
- slag
- x-ray diffraction
- x-ray fluorescence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Archaeology
- Archaeology