THE senior archaeologist for Dartmoor National Park Authority will give an illustrated talk at Throwleigh Village Hall tomorrow (Friday) on the extraordinary finds from the excavation of a prehistoric cremation burial.

Jane Marchand will discuss archaeological investigations of the prehistoric cist and the mound into which it was set on Whitehorse Hill during August 2011.

The excavation was carried out with the aim of retrieving as much palaeo-environmental information as possible but little in the way of artefactual material was expected.

The results from the excavation exceeded expectations and are seen to be a nationally important collection of organic objects and other grave goods associated with an Early Bronze Age burial and the most important prehistoric finds ever discovered on Dartmoor. 

Painstaking analysis and conservation of these has taken place over the last two years at the Wiltshire Conservation lab.

The contents of the cist included an animal pelt in which the cremated human remains were wrapped, an intricate woven bag, the remains of a leather and textile garment, a wristband studded with tin beads, and over 200 beads, including amber, shale, clay and tin, very probably from a composite necklace, and two pairs of wooden ear studs.

Environmental samples taken from the mound will help answer questions about the environmental conditions at the time the cist was constructed, as well as providing further dating evidence for its construction.

The talk at the village hall starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £2.50 for children.

Pre-booking is advised by calling 01647 231051 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]