Burial Habits of Human Skeletal Remains in Jars From Archaeological Site of Sahab, Jordan: A Bio-Archaeological and Conservation Study

Abstract

This bio-archaeological and conservation study aimed to analyze and expand our understanding of the aspects of ancient people death practices, lived in Sahab, Jordan through conducting research on human skeletal remains found buried in Jars. After moving one of the big jars from the stores of Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology-Yarmouk University of Jordan into the laboratory, the materials were separated and laid down in a scientific manner. Sex, age, and stature were estimated and pathologies were investigated. Samples were taken in order to monitor pH, and to conduct FTIR, XRD, and XRF. The materials were cleaned used different types of standardized methods. After that, the skeletons were consolidated, and some broken parts were brought together. In the last stage, the skeletons were coated as a preventive measure. Analysis conducted on these human skeletal remains showed that three human skeletons (one adult female, and a fetus (unknown sex), and an infant (unknown sex) were buried together in this jar. The preservation was very good as predicted by the monitored value of bone and soil samples pH with an average of 7.4. Different scenarios of their death and burial practices will be discussed.