INTERMENT SITES.
31
Walton-on-Naze (S. H. Warren and A. Keith, E.N., xvi.,
1911, pp. 198-208, 2 figs. and plate). The interment was
made from the prehistoric "floor" under the peat [see 121].
The body was placed in the contracted attitude and had
been swathed in grass. 258
Wenden (G. Maynard and A. Keith, E. N., xvii., 1913, pp. 244-
248, 2 figs, and plate). Human skull said to have been
found at a depth of 22 feet [it may have been 16 feet] in
the Alluvium of the River Cam. Many bones were found
in the same bed, including an antler of Cervus giganteus.
The skull belongs to Huxley's "River-bed" type, and it
is of the same race as the Walton woman [258]. 259
Dating of Human Remains (S. H. Warren, E.N., xviii., 1915,
pp. 40-59). A general review of the evidences, including the
Tilbury skeleton [112] 260
British Ethnography (T. V. Holmes, Trans., iv., 1886, pp. 189-
228). A general survey of the subject. Refers to the
survival of a prehistoric language in Britain—the Celtic
dialect called "Shelta" spoken by tinkers, and resembling
ancient Irish. The tinkers were in former times a very
exclusive clan, probably the descendants of prehistoric
metal-workers. The Shelta-speaking tinkers always inter-
married. Many gypsies and similar people also understood
the language. 261
XVII.—Interment Sites, etc.
(Vide also under Tumuli, Pottery, and Human Remains. Some
of the problematical pits under Pit-dwellings may be in-
terment sites.)
Saffron Walden (T. V. Holmes, Proc., iv., 1887, pp. cc.-cciv.).
A number of circular shafts, a few feet wide and deep, were
found in the Anglo-Saxon cemetery. It is uncertain whether
they may be contemporary or earlier. Numerous illustra-
tions are cited of similar little shafts in association with
prehistoric barrows. 262
Kelvedon (G. F. Beaumont, E.N., ii.. 1888, p. 124 ; iv., 1890,
pp. 105-106). Saxon graveyard in a field called "Barrow
field" on old maps, although no barrow now exists. 263
Raddle over interment (S. H. Warren, E.N., xvii., 1913, pp.
264-265). The early Romano-British tomb in the Mersea
barrow was covered by ochre raddle. This was a survival
of a very early funeral custom. 264
[Vide also 275, 279]