A fascinating tale unfolds around a warrior skeleton that has been far from home for over 200 years.
The story begins in the caves of Gower, Wales, where the remains, known as the ‘Red Lady’ of Paviland, were discovered in 1823.
After being unearthed, this significant find made its way to the Oxford University Museum, where it has remained ever since.
Now, a dedicated heritage group is pushing to bring this ancient warrior back to its roots.
Uncovering the Truth
Originally, the skeleton was named the ‘Red Lady’ by geology professor William Buckland, who mistakenly assumed it belonged to a female figure, possibly a Roman prostitute or witch.
However, further studies revealed that this burial belonged to a male Ice Age hunter who lived around 33,000 years ago.
The grave, which also contained a mammoth skull, is the oldest known ceremonial burial site in Northern Europe.
Andrew Price from Gower Unearthed emphasizes the importance of this site, stating, “His tribe, the people who buried that man on Gower, buried him here because this was the place he died and a significant place to them.”
A Call for Repatriation
Gower Unearthed, a community interest company, is at the forefront of the campaign to have the warrior’s remains returned to Wales.
Price advocates for repatriation, expressing that the bones should be as close as possible to Paviland, ideally in Swansea.
He believes that the burial was intentional and meaningful, stating, “He was buried with a purpose – they wanted him to remain on Gower and that was the place they had chosen to bury him.”
Running for Heritage
To draw attention to their cause, best friends Helen Nicholas and Sally Munro have embarked on a remarkable journey.
They are running from the Oxford University Museum back to Goat Hole Cave in Paviland, covering a distance of 200 miles.
Their plan involves averaging a marathon a day for six days, all to highlight the significance of bringing the warrior home.
Nicholas shares her sentiments about the run: “This run isn’t just about us – it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate and honor this incredible part of our heritage.”
They began their mammoth challenge on October 20, aiming to complete their journey by the following weekend.
What Lies Ahead?
As the campaign progresses, many are watching to see if this ancient warrior will finally be reunited with the land he once roamed.
The determination of Gower Unearthed and their community highlights a deeper connection to history and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
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