Burial

The National Monuments Service's description

On a low sandy rise on the margin of high dunes on the SE side of Fanore beach. In the winter of 2019 twelve human teeth were found lying on hard-packed sand in a loose cluster covering a small area (0.25m x 0.3m), possibly representing a burial. A few loose seashells were also evident. A midden (CL001-023----) lay c. 7m to the SSW. The teeth comprised incisors, premolars and molars and exhibited considerable wear. They were collected and submitted to the National Museum (Ref. IA/171/2021). Osteological analysis determined that the teeth were from the lower jaw of an adult aged between 25 and 35 years of age at death. The teeth exhibited evidence of a pathological defect known as dental enamel hypoplasia. Radiocarbon analysis of a sample of one tooth returned a date of Cal AD 1491-1637 (UBA-49636, 2 δ), with a median probability of AD 1565. In the week following the initial discovery a storm removed the entire sandy layer on which the teeth were found. No archaeological material was evident on inspection in 2021.

The following images have been uploaded:
CL001-036----_01.jpg View of area where teeth were found, from E.
CL001-036----_02.jpg Image of 12 teeth

Compiled by: Mary Tunney

Date of upload: 1 March 2023