An Iron Age burial from Swainbost, Isle of Lewis

Abstract

In May 2001, Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD) undertook an archaeological excavation at Swainbost, Isle of Lewis, under the provisions of the Historic Scotland Human Remains Call Off Contract, following the discovery of the partial remains of a coastally-eroded in-situ human burial. The remains were found to be from one individual, probably male, aged between 30 and 34 years at death with a slight deformity of the spine buried in a supine position in a flat-based grave. Several flat slabs present in the vicinity may have been the remains of a cist. An iron artefact, identified as a belt buckle, was recovered adjacent to the right side of the pelvis. A single radiocarbon date suggests the burial dates to 390–170 BC.