Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 6.djvu/200

106 especial notice, on account of the analogy of type which it presents, as compared with the remarkable silver pins found at Largo, in Fifeshire, communicated to the Institute by Mr. Dundas.

Two bone needles, or bodkins, being perforated at the extremity: they measure in length 2$1⁄2$ inches, and 3$1⁄2$ inches respectively. Similar objects have repeatedly been found in England as well as Ireland: some, discovered in a tumulus on Upton Level Downs, Wiltshire, are described by Mr. Cunnington as arrow-heads. (See the Archaeologia, vol. xv., pl. ; and Hoare's Ancient Wilts, vol. i., pl. )

A double-toothed comb, of bone, rudely ornamented with lines and the little concentric circles, so frequently seen on objects of bone from the earliest periods. Dimensions, 3$1⁄2$ inches by 2$1⁄4$ inches.

In considering the age and people to which these remarkable deposits should be referred, it will be advisable to review the theories which have been established by the Northern Antiquaries, who have devoted much attention to this interesting inquiry; and first, as to the mode of sepulture adopted by the different primeval races, which in successive waves have swept over the surface of Europe.

They classify tumuli or barrows in the following order:—

1. The earlier ones are circular, and generally surrounded by a circuit of stones. They contain stone chambers, in which the bodies are deposited, often burnt in sand or placed on stones. The objects found are generally of stone, rarely of bronze or gold, and never of silver or iron.

2. Heaps of stone over stone chests, not larger than is necessary to contain a few urns or burnt bones, or the sword of the deceased. These chests are also frequent in the bar- rows both of England and Scotland.

In these tombs, arms, such as swords, daggers, celts, &c., of bronze, have been found in large quantities, accompanied by ornaments of bronze, gold, and even electrum, it is said, but never silver. Axes and daggers are also said to have been found, of copper, with an edge of iron, which points to a state of transition between this and the succeeding period.

3. Heaps of stones containing a wooden structure, sometimes in the form of chests, and frequently also in that of ships or boats. In these barrows, which belong to the latter period of heathendom, a quantity of arms and weapons of iron are found, accompanied by trinkets and utensils of