Jamestown Chancel Burial Excavation Overall Site

Object Details

Summary

The soil in a burial shaft differs in color and composition from the surrounding undisturbed matrix because digging and re-filling a grave mixes soil layers. Excavations in the east end of the 1608 church revealed dark areas of soil showing four graves located within the chancel, a space commonly occupied by clergy, government officials, and the altar table. In the 17th century, burial in the chancel was reserved for high-status individuals. The four graves (below left) were originally dug between January of 1608 and 1617 when the church fell into disrepair. The space occupied by the chancel measured approximately 24’ by 12’.

Data Source

NMNH - Anthropology Dept.

Field Identifier

B 2992C, C 3046C, D 170C, A 2993B

Collector

Jamestown Rediscovery (Preservation Virginia)

Credit Line

The Jamestown Chancel Burial investigation is a collaboration between the Smithsonian's Skeletal Biology Program, the Smithsonian 3D Digitization Program Office and Jamestown Rediscovery.

Site Name

Historic Jamestowne

Taxonony

Homo sapiens

Record ID

dpo_3d_200006

Usage

Usage conditions apply