Taphonomic analysis of Bronze Age burials in Mongolian khirigsuurs

The role of the distinctive Mongolian Bronze Age mounds (khirigsuurs) has been debated for many years with authors divided over their funerary role. Interpretation of the presence or absence of human bone has been central to this debate. In this paper, we undertake a systematic analysis of human taphonomy at the Khövsgöl site to explain why mounds appear “empty”. In doing so we demonstrate a strong statistical relationship between the preservation of human bone and intrinsic circumstances related to the mound locations and the age of the deceased. In contrast, patterns of disarticulation are strongly correlated with human disturbance of graves post-mortem. We argue that statistical analysis of burials, recognising the continuity of potential preservation from nil to complete serves to explain the relative importance of taphonomic agents but allows for predictive analysis of where remains are most likely to be preserved. Such approaches are important in shifting studies of human taphonomy from a descriptive to analytical endeavour.

► Mound location and age of deceased account for human bone preservation in Hovsgol.
► Disarticulation at this site is associated more with human rather than animal disturbance.
► The analysis confirms the primary function of khirigsuurs as funerary monuments.