The Mesolithic Human Skeletal Collection from Aveline's Hole: a Preliminary Note (UBSS Proceedings v.22(3))

Abstract: Aveline's Hole is an important Early Mesolithic (c. 9000 BP) cemetery site in the Mendip Hills, investigated many times since its discovery in 1797. The majority of the finds from the cave, together with the site documentation, were destroyed during a bombing raid on Bristol in World War II. Here, we summarise work in progress on the small amount of surviving human skeletal material from the site, highlighting the information that can still be gleaned from partial and fragmentary collections. At least 21 individuals are represented in the surviving collections, comprising adult men and women, and subadults including both children and infants. Preliminary information is presented on demography, pathology, bone modification, diet and levels of activity as seen in changes to muscle attachment sites on the bone. A full report on the reassessment of the human remains from the site will be forthcoming.