2008 Stonehenge Decoded (film). National Geographic Television.
Michael Parker-Pearson’s interpretation of Stonehenge is that it is a home for the ancestors. He believes that Stonehenge was built by a chiefdom comprised of thousands of individuals. Although these people are farmers, it is suggested that they brought supplies with them during times of gathering. The chiefdom would travel to Stonehenge to honour their ancestors on the summer solstice to see the sun rise. This was a time when they would thank their ancestors for their prosperity and fertility. Parker-Pearson believes that at other times of the year, the land around Stonehenge was not to be entered as it was sacred. After the sunrise ceremony, they would then walk down to the River Avon. As they walked along the river, they would scatter the cremated remains of the deceased into the river which was symbolic of their loved ones travelling into the afterlife. By sundown, they would congregate at Woodhenge which is considered a ceremonial home for the living. After the sunset ceremony, there would be a large feast during which the younger members would procreate. Parker-Pearson’s supports his interpretation that Stonehenge was built by a chiefdom by examining the settlement in which they lived. He found this settlement at Durrington Walls while excavating outside of the henge. What he found were the foundations of over a thousand houses which allowed him to estimate that the population was in the thousands. At the site, they also found the foundation for a much larger house with an imposing entrance. Parker-Pearson suggests that this is evidence of social stratification and that it is likely that an individual of importance resided in the house (such as a chief). Despite the fact that these people are known farmers, there is no evidence of farming in the area which has led Parker-Pearson to hypothesize that the settlement was only occupied for certain parts of the year. This would mean that they brought supplies with them. Parker-Pearson’s interpretation that Woodhenge is the counterpart to Stonehenge are based more on symbolic meaning of their material. Woodhenge represents the living because it reflects our mortality. Just as the wood will not last forever, our lives will not either. Stonehenge is associated with the dead because it’s construction material, stone, is far more durable and in this way has an eternal quality to it. However, Parker-Pearson has also connected the two henges together by discovering that both are connect to the River Avon by large avenues. The sunrise and sunset ceremonies are supported by the fact that Stonehenge perfectly aligns with the sunrise on the summer solstice …show more content…
This also furthers the connection between the two henges. Further evidence for the sunset ceremonies is found in the large amount of animal bones found Woodhenge. Parker-Pearson believes that the excessive amount of bones is indicative of celebratory feasts.
Lastly, Parker-Pearson has interpreted the ditches surrounding Stonehenge as a method of marking sacred ground. He hypothesizes that these ditches were made to ensure that people did not trespass. He associates this with a fear of the ancestors who gave them prosperity and fertility but could also take these things away. Parker-Pearson supports this by highlighting that there are no settlements near the “sacred ground” which meant that it was not a place for the
Michael Parker-Pearson’s interpretation of Stonehenge is that it is a home for the ancestors. He believes that Stonehenge was built by a chiefdom comprised of thousands of individuals. Although these people are farmers, it is suggested that they brought supplies with them during times of gathering. The chiefdom would travel to Stonehenge to honour their ancestors on the summer solstice to see the sun rise. This was a time when they would thank their ancestors for their prosperity and fertility. Parker-Pearson believes that at other times of the year, the land around Stonehenge was not to be entered as it was sacred. After the sunrise ceremony, they would then walk down to the River Avon. As they walked along the river, they would scatter the cremated remains of the deceased into the river which was symbolic of their loved ones travelling into the afterlife. By sundown, they would congregate at Woodhenge which is considered a ceremonial home for the living. After the sunset ceremony, there would be a large feast during which the younger members would procreate. Parker-Pearson’s supports his interpretation that Stonehenge was built by a chiefdom by examining the settlement in which they lived. He found this settlement at Durrington Walls while excavating outside of the henge. What he found were the foundations of over a thousand houses which allowed him to estimate that the population was in the thousands. At the site, they also found the foundation for a much larger house with an imposing entrance. Parker-Pearson suggests that this is evidence of social stratification and that it is likely that an individual of importance resided in the house (such as a chief). Despite the fact that these people are known farmers, there is no evidence of farming in the area which has led Parker-Pearson to hypothesize that the settlement was only occupied for certain parts of the year. This would mean that they brought supplies with them. Parker-Pearson’s interpretation that Woodhenge is the counterpart to Stonehenge are based more on symbolic meaning of their material. Woodhenge represents the living because it reflects our mortality. Just as the wood will not last forever, our lives will not either. Stonehenge is associated with the dead because it’s construction material, stone, is far more durable and in this way has an eternal quality to it. However, Parker-Pearson has also connected the two henges together by discovering that both are connect to the River Avon by large avenues. The sunrise and sunset ceremonies are supported by the fact that Stonehenge perfectly aligns with the sunrise on the summer solstice …show more content…
This also furthers the connection between the two henges. Further evidence for the sunset ceremonies is found in the large amount of animal bones found Woodhenge. Parker-Pearson believes that the excessive amount of bones is indicative of celebratory feasts.
Lastly, Parker-Pearson has interpreted the ditches surrounding Stonehenge as a method of marking sacred ground. He hypothesizes that these ditches were made to ensure that people did not trespass. He associates this with a fear of the ancestors who gave them prosperity and fertility but could also take these things away. Parker-Pearson supports this by highlighting that there are no settlements near the “sacred ground” which meant that it was not a place for the