As part of our experimental archaeology lab, we constructed a mortuary structure designed to reflect early burial practices. The final structure consisted of three woven willow walls, one plank wall, and a roof thatched with natural materials. Our group, Group C, was responsible for building one of the woven willow panels. We collected approximately 40 willow rods from the Lower Arboretum, selecting pieces mostly between one and two thumbs in thickness. While we gathered a substantial amount of material, we found that we did not have quite enough to complete the longer section of our wall. To address this, we supplemented our willow supply with additional rods (4 rods) shared by other groups.
The section we built measured 5 feet 6 inches in length and stood 3 feet tall. However, to fit the main mortuary structure’s frame, we later trimmed our panel down to 4 feet 10 inches in length. The weaving process required close coordination and attention to tension, as the flexibility of the willow was both an asset and a challenge. Once the woven panel was complete, we began the process of daubing—a mixture of clay, straw, and other binding materials used to seal and insulate the wall. We applied an initial layer of daub but had to pause for the day before finishing.
We returned the following day to complete construction. With all four walls in place and the thatched roof secured, the structure was ready for its final purpose: a burial ceremony. We held a solemn and reflective ritual for “216,” our cremated pig, placing the remains inside the completed mortuary house. The ceremony provided a meaningful conclusion to the project, emphasizing the intersection of hands-on building, collaborative effort, and cultural reflection on death and remembrance.
This lab offered valuable insight into ancient building techniques and the symbolic significance of mortuary architecture. Working with natural materials and relying on group cooperation mirrored the communal aspects of prehistoric construction, while the final ceremony underscored the emotional and cultural weight such structures may have held for past peoples.
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