The article explores the “Ferradeira” individual burial at Herdade do Álamo in South Portugal, shedding light on social changes during the late 3rd millennium BC. The burial site, located near Beja airport, was excavated revealing a pit grave with an individual in a foetal position oriented North-South. The burial included metallic objects like a dagger and arrowheads, indicative of the period’s funerary practices. The study integrates archaeological, bioanthropological, isotopic, and archaeometallurgical analyses, contributing to understanding this relatively obscure transitional period in the Iberian Southwest.
The individual buried was a middle-aged adult male, estimated to be around 173.23 cm tall, with ante-mortem tooth loss and dental wear suggesting possible dietary and lifestyle factors. The burial context and artefacts reflect a shift towards individual burials, highlighting changes in social structures and cultural practices. The findings provide valuable data for interpreting the social and cultural dynamics of the late 3rd millennium BC in the region.
The research emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in archaeological studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of historical contexts. The excavation of the Herdade do Álamo burial site adds significant insights into the period’s funerary rituals, material culture, and social organisation. Overall, the study contributes to the broader knowledge of the late 3rd millennium BC in South Portugal, offering a nuanced perspective on the societal transformations and cultural developments during this transitional phase.
