Excavations near the Bavarian town of Eichendorf have yielded a remarkable discovery: the burial site of a high-ranking individual from the Middle Neolithic period, estimated to have lived around 6,800 years ago. The remains, which have been dubbed ‘The Mayor’ by archaeologists, were accompanied by an array of grave goods, indicating a person of elevated status, possibly an elder or chieftain.
Among the funerary offerings were ample provisions of food and drink for the afterlife, as well as dyes for body painting, a stone ax, a flint knife, and a boar’s tooth split into two halves. The presence of the boar’s tooth, likely used as a container for flint tools and fire-making equipment, symbolizes status and hunting prowess. The person was also buried in a squatting position, with several vessels placed around their head and a drinking vessel positioned in front of their face.
The burial site, located in the village of Exing, has been under investigation since 2023, ahead of a planned residential development. Archaeologists from the district government have uncovered a diverse range of artifacts spanning roughly 7,000 years, from the Neolithic through to the Copper and Bronze Ages, including pieces of gold jewelry. The discovery of ‘The Mayor’s’ skeleton marks a significant addition to this archaeological treasure trove.
The skeleton will now undergo anthropological examination and be meticulously documented using photogrammetry techniques, enabling the creation of a precise 3D model. This advanced imaging method involves stitching together multiple digital images to produce a highly accurate virtual representation of the burial site and its contents. The findings from Exing provide valuable insights into the social dynamics, burial practices, and daily lives of Middle Neolithic communities in southern Germany.
