Die Gräber 21–28 von La Joya (Huelva, Andalusien)

Preliminary Report on the Test Excavations in 2019

Abstract

Under the direction of Alexia Echevarría Sánchez, the archaeological excavation firm Grupo Ánfora carried out test excavations on the Cabezo La Joya in Huelva (Andalusia, Spain) from April to September 2019. It is the site of a necropolis which has served as a point of reference for Tartessian archaeology since the 1970s. The new finds include eight cremation burials of the 7th century BC; they are the focal point of this paper which corresponds to a preliminary report on the excavations and the ongoing interdisciplinary research project in which the Madrid department of the German Archaeological Institute participates. The results of the collaboration offer deep insight into the local grave and burial customs. Spotlighted are the traces of 13 individuals (women, men and children) and their environment in ›Tartessic‹ Huelva; they reflect traditions and discrete cultural traits as well as a specific approach to foreign/Phoenician influences which are imprinted in the material culture and ideological sphere of the grave and burial rites.