An Examination of Prehistoric Stone Bracers from Britain

"This book is a mandatory read for any researcher interested in the cultural and social dynamics of the third millennium cal BC. Let us hope that other researchers across Europe will follow the pioneering footsteps of Woodward, Hunter, and their colleagues." — Marc Vander Linden in European Journal of Archaeology 16 (2) 2013

This volume present a detailed study of the thin, usually rectangular, pieces of pierced fine stone that occur in inhumation graves of Beaker date mainly of the second half of the third millennium cal BC. These objects are considered to be archer's bracers or wristguards. The study forms part of a more wide-ranging research project to identify more accurately the significance of burial assemblages from Beaker and Early Bronze Age contexts in England and Wales. The key objective is to produce a detailed analysis of the nature and function of these grave goods, beginning with the bracers, and to test the hypothesis that many of the artifacts were originally designed for use as components of ritual costume or as equipment for use in religious acts and ceremonies. The volume includes an illustrated database of all recorded bracers.