Mortuary cave

Definition

A mortuary cave or a mortuary sinkhole, alternately known as burial cave, burial sinkhole, or crevice interment, is a naturally formed cavity in the earth that is intentionally used for the placement of human remains. Unlike constructed tombs or graves, mortuary caves utilize pre-existing geological formation such as limestone caves, sinkholes and rock fissures. Archeological evidence has demonstrated that mortuary caves were used across multiple continents and time periods, ranging from prehistoric contexts to historic events. These sites are of particular importance in archaeology because cave environments often preserve human remains and associated artifacts more effectively than open-air burial sites do, while also providing strong ties to cultural and ritualistic practice surrounding death.

Archaeological Context and Preservation

Mortuary caves are most commonly found in karst landscapes, where soluble rock such as limestone tends to form caves and sinkholes. Because these natural cavities are already present in the landscape and do not require human construction, archaeologists are able to distinguish mortuary caves from accidental cave deaths or natural deposition by examining the arrangement of skeletal remains, the presence of burial bundles, and associated burial artifacts such as tools, ornaments or textiles.

Environmental conditions within caves can contribute to the notable preservation of remains and artifacts. Providing stable temperatures, limited sunlight, and reduced disturbance may slow decomposition, allowing organic materials to survive longer. At the Bering Sinkhole in Texas, archeologists recovered the remains of multiple individuals along with associated artifacts, demonstrating a repeated and intentional mortuary use over an extended time period.

Geographic Distribution and Cultural Significance.

Mortuary caves and sinkholes have been documented in several regions of North America.

Texas

In Texas, a number of known Paleoindian mortuary sinkholes have been identified, including the Bering Sinkhole.

Virginia

In Virginia, mortuary caves such as the Bull Thistle Cave Archaeological Site contain human remains which have been recovered from cave shafts and chambers, reflecting burial practices and rituals during the Woodland-period.

Alaska

The use of mortuary caves has also been documented in Alaska. In the Western Aleutian islands, archaeologists identified a burial cave containing human remains and artifacts. Radiocarbon dating and analysis of the skeletal remains indicated intentional placement with the cave solely for mortuary purposes, providing insight into the indigenous burial traditions located in subarctic environments.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, cultural resources surveys conducted at Kalaeloa Heritage Park documented skeletal remains residing within natural sinkholes, indicating their use of a burial method during Pre-Colonial Hawaii.

Historical Period: Civil War

During the American Civil War, the bodies of 30 Union soldiers that were killed at the Battle of Wilson's Creek were temporarily placed in a natural sinkhole and were later relocated to Springfield National Cemetery.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Simek, Jan F. "Prehistoric Use of Caves". Tennessee Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  2. ↑ Bahn, Paul G. (2012). Archaeology: A Very Short Introduction. A Very Short Introduction. Bill Tidy (2nd ed., fully updated ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-965743-8.
  3. 1 2 "Bering Sinkhole". www.texasbeyondhistory.net. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  4. ↑ Alvarez, Christine E. (May 2005). "Bioarchaeological Investigation of Human Skeletal Remains at the Stiver Ranch Burial Sinkhole (41KM140)".
  5. ↑ Bement, Leland C. (1994). Hunter-Gatherer Mortuary Practices during the Central Texas Archaic. University of Texas Press. doi:10.7560/708174. ISBN 978-0-292-70817-4. JSTOR 10.7560/708174.
  6. ↑ "Burial Caves in Virginia". www.virginiaplaces.org. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
  7. ↑ West, Dixie; Lefèvre, Christine; Corbett, Debra; Crockford, Susan (2003-02-06). "A Burial Cave in the Western Aleutian Islands, Alaska". Arctic Anthropology. 40 (1): 70–86. doi:10.1353/arc.2011.0086. ISSN 0066-6939.
  8. ↑ "Kalaeloa Heritage Park ʻEwa, Oʻahu FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT" (PDF). hawaii.gov. September 2014.
  9. ↑ "Sinkhole on Bloody Hill (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2023-08-02.