Gravtyper

Gravtyper is a term used in Swedish- and Norwegian-language archaeology to denote “grave types”—standardized categories applied to burial practices and grave structures. The term appears in scholarly discussions of mortuary and funerary traditions, enabling systematic comparison across sites and time periods.

Etymology and scope: Gravtyper is formed from grav ("grave") and typer ("types"), reflecting its function as a typological label. It is most commonly encountered in archaeological literature from Scandinavia, but translations or equivalents exist in neighboring languages.

Applications: A gravtype typically distinguishes graves by form and context, such as inhumation versus cremation, primary versus secondary interment, container or chamber tombs, and surface burial versus mound graves. It may also incorporate grave goods, arrangement, and construction materials. The framework supports dating, cultural affiliation, and insights into social organization, ritual practice, and exchange networks.

Limitations: Gravtypes are interpretive constructs that can oversimplify diverse mortuary practices. They depend on preservation conditions and researcher decisions about which features matter most. As new evidence emerges, typologies are revised.

See also: Mortuary archaeology, Burial, Typology, Scandinavia.