What's So Special? A Reinterpretation of Anglo-Saxon 'Special Deposits'

Abstract

BUILDING ON HAMEROW'S previous study in Medieval Archaeology 50, the interpretation of Anglo-Saxon 'special deposits', primarily of animal bone and pottery, from England are discussed. By examining their composition and the variable nature of depositional practices, we question why these deposits are considered 'special'. Such deposits are often interpreted within a ritual or functional dichotomy and we propose that the adoption of a biographical approach to individual remains can help elucidate the many and varied human actions and means behind their creation.