Definition: An urnfield cemetery, or jar burial, is a type of secondary burial that involves placing the cremated body of a deceased person into a large jar or urn, within a large defined cemetery area. Additional grave goods might include additional smaller pots, bronze ornaments and beads.
Urnfields were used primarily during the Late Bronze through Early Iron Ages of central Europe between about 1300-800 BC, at sites such as Seddin, Sobiejuchy, and Przeczyce. As with other cemeteries, many urnfields would be adjacent to settlements. Asian urnfields such as those of the Sa Huynh culture of Vietnam or the Plain of Jars in Laos are dated somewhat later than the European sites, from about 1000 BC to 300 AD.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: Jar burials
Alternate Spellings: Urn fields
Examples: Seddin (Germany), Sobiejuchy (Poland), Przeczyce (Poland), Lovcicky (Moravia), Biskupin (Poland).
