Place: Ar/Ge.T38.18

Locus 18 is east of locus 16 and south of locus 22 (what appears to be an EB1 capstone/ tomb construction). The locus is situated beneath locus 13 in the northeast region of the unit. Locus 13 -- collapse from locus 15 -- appears to have been situated directly on top (and likely crushed) the human remains found scattered throughout this context. While this locus still contains some some large stones (10-15cm in size), it bears little resemblance to the sheet rock situation found in the superimposed context. The soil in this locus is fairly compact. It is medium brown in color with round, incredibly fine-grained and well-sorted clasts. There is a very high density of cultural materials in this context. The size of the ceramic sherds, in particular, are considerably larger than those found in neighboring loci (including locus 16). We have a number of large fragments from small vessels scattered amidst the human remains.

The human remains uncovered in this context were not articulated. Based on the varied elevations and dis-articulated nature of the skeletal elements, it is clear that these individuals were effected by post (and likely pre) depositional activities. We encountered the first cranium approximately 10cm south of the capstone (locus 23). Upon further excavation we unearthed a number of other long bones as well, and eventually another cranium situated about a meter south of the first. The second cranium, unfortunately, was situated directly under a large stone and shows clear signs of trauma from that particular type of impact. Both crania are positioned on their sides -- one oriented east and the other west.

The chronological relationship between these remains, the capstone, and architecture remains unclear. While it is assumed that these individuals post-date the capstone burial, it is not clear if they are contemporary with the architecture or the outcome of a later occupation. To date, all of the pottery in the area appears to be EB. We have no evidence of LB activity anywhere in the trench. Hopefully with continued cleaning, we will be able to decipher the sequence of events and deduce possible causes of death/ the orientation of remains. Thus far, we are not entirely sure if we are dealing with a secondary burial episode since it is unclear how many individuals and elements are situated within the unit. We have only uncovered one suslik bone and this explanation alone -- minimal bioturbation -- could not sufficiently explain the presence of a cranium next to a pelvis, and a mandible entangled around said pelvis.