Post by L Roebuck on Sept 25, 2006 12:42:16 GMT -5
Druid accuses Oxford 'grave robbers'
Sep 25 2006
Robin Turner, Western Mail
A WELSH druid spent the lightning-lashed weekend in a Gower cave to highlight his claim that academics from Oxford are "grave robbers".
Retired engineer Chris Warwick, who became a druid some years ago, wants an ancient skeleton known as the Red Lady of Paviland returned to its burial place in Gower's Paviland Cave.
Despite being uncovered on Gower, the remains have been on show at Oxford University's natural history museum for decades.
Mr Warwick said, "The more we find out about our ancestors the better, but what I object to is the grave robbing that goes on.
"Whichever way you put it, that's what it is.
The "Red Lady" was discovered in 1823 by clergyman archaeologist the Rev William Buckland who mistook the skeleton for that of a woman because it was dyed red and covered in ornate jewellery.
It was later discovered the skeleton, by this time widely known as the Red Lady of Paviland, was in fact that of an important male chieftain and dated back an incredible 26,000 years.
It was a hugely important discovery giving clues to life in a little known era. The skeleton far outdates Stonehenge which was built around 4,000 years ago.
Chris Warwick says places like Paviland Cave should be treated the same way as modern graveyards.
He says the skeleton should be returned and buried "with due reverence".
He spent the weekend in the limestone cave to highlight his "Dead to Rights" campaign and to try to "balance the spiritual energies".
An Elgin Marbles style campaign to secure the return to Wales of the Red Lady was begun two years ago by Swansea councillor Ioan Richard.
His campaign was backed by the Gower Society and by Tourism Swansea who believe the Red Lady could become a prized tourist attraction.
Tourism Swansea spokesman Geoff Haden said, "We are suggesting an interpretive visitor centre near Paviland Cave or possibly at the Gower Heritage Centre, which would be a wet weather and an all-year-round attraction. This is something we must follow up."
But administrator at the Oxford museum Wendy Shepherd said there was "not a chance" of bringing the remains back home.
She said, "This goes back to the days when the archaeologists who made finds had the final say on where they should be exhibited."
Article
Sep 25 2006
Robin Turner, Western Mail
A WELSH druid spent the lightning-lashed weekend in a Gower cave to highlight his claim that academics from Oxford are "grave robbers".
Retired engineer Chris Warwick, who became a druid some years ago, wants an ancient skeleton known as the Red Lady of Paviland returned to its burial place in Gower's Paviland Cave.
Despite being uncovered on Gower, the remains have been on show at Oxford University's natural history museum for decades.
Mr Warwick said, "The more we find out about our ancestors the better, but what I object to is the grave robbing that goes on.
"Whichever way you put it, that's what it is.
The "Red Lady" was discovered in 1823 by clergyman archaeologist the Rev William Buckland who mistook the skeleton for that of a woman because it was dyed red and covered in ornate jewellery.
It was later discovered the skeleton, by this time widely known as the Red Lady of Paviland, was in fact that of an important male chieftain and dated back an incredible 26,000 years.
It was a hugely important discovery giving clues to life in a little known era. The skeleton far outdates Stonehenge which was built around 4,000 years ago.
Chris Warwick says places like Paviland Cave should be treated the same way as modern graveyards.
He says the skeleton should be returned and buried "with due reverence".
He spent the weekend in the limestone cave to highlight his "Dead to Rights" campaign and to try to "balance the spiritual energies".
An Elgin Marbles style campaign to secure the return to Wales of the Red Lady was begun two years ago by Swansea councillor Ioan Richard.
His campaign was backed by the Gower Society and by Tourism Swansea who believe the Red Lady could become a prized tourist attraction.
Tourism Swansea spokesman Geoff Haden said, "We are suggesting an interpretive visitor centre near Paviland Cave or possibly at the Gower Heritage Centre, which would be a wet weather and an all-year-round attraction. This is something we must follow up."
But administrator at the Oxford museum Wendy Shepherd said there was "not a chance" of bringing the remains back home.
She said, "This goes back to the days when the archaeologists who made finds had the final say on where they should be exhibited."
Article