ABSTRACT
This chapter presents examples of the archaeological evidence of the multiple layers of textiles, leather, wood, stone, and earth that wrap and cover an inhumation burial in Bronze Age southern Scandinavia. The wrapping perspective contrasts to an unwrapping perspective describing the removal of layers, that is, the way archaeologists encounter archaeological evidence through excavation or artefact analysis. Archaeologists have recognised clothing and costume as a prime means with which to construct social identity. Although there are many barrow burials, only a handful have well-preserved organic materials including textile, leather, and wood. Others have benefitted from modern excavation techniques and the analyses used to investigate the turf mound or barrow. All wooden coffins are hard confining layers. The stone platforms and cairns may be seen as additional wrapping for the wooden coffin. The turf barrows constructed over the coffins represent an extraordinary amount of effort on the part of the mound builders.
