The Role of Sun Symbols in the Burial Rite of the Middle Bronze Age Vatya Culture

Abstract

The case study investigates the burial customs of the Middle Bronze Age Vatya culture in the Carpathian Basin. It aims to deliver a comparative analysis of the archaeological finds and characteristics of several cemeteries where communities cremated and buried their dead in urns.
It also examines the ways grave artefacts are placed, and the shape and ornamentation of ceramics. It also gives a concise review on beliefs related to cremation. The case study aims at presenting just how much information the seemingly monotone burial customs of the Vatya culture can offer on their belief system by analysing the shapes, arrangements and ornamentations of buried artefacts. The decoration of grave ceramics often includes solar – light symbols, therefore, the author argues that the regular use of light symbols has a significant role in their belief system, especially in the deceased’s journey to the Otherworld.

Keywords: Bronze Age, burial customs, solar symbol