Bronze Age log coffin readied for display

"Carved from the trunk of an oak tree approximately 4,000 years ago, the coffin contained the remains of a relatively tall man (5'9) who was in his late 30s or early 40s when he died. Osteological examination of his bones revealed osteoarthritis from a lifetime of heavy physical labor. He was buried with a miniature battle axe with a stone head still mounted to its complete wooden handle in like-new condition."

"To preserve it from rapid drying and crumbling to dust after its discovery exposed it to air, the pieces were placed in cold storage at the Mary Rose Trust in Portsmouth for a year. They were then transported to the York Archaeological Trust for stabilization, conservation and reconstruction. Further analysis and research was led by a team of independent specialists, with the coffin providing a precious glimpse into elaborate Bronze Age burial practices."

The Tetney log coffin was carved from oak about 4,000 years ago and held a relatively tall man, about 5'9, who died in his late 30s or early 40s. Bone analysis showed osteoarthritis from heavy labor. The burial included a miniature battle axe with a stone head and wooden handle. The ten-foot coffin was found broken; the largest fragment is almost eight feet long and weighs half a ton. Fragments went into cold storage at the Mary Rose Trust, then were stabilized and reconstructed at York Archaeological Trust. Plant and pollen remains show a bed of oak and yew branches, a floral garland, and hazelnuts as possible offerings. The reconstructed coffin is now at Lincoln Museum where conservators are stabilizing it and preparing it for public display.

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