Bioarchaeological excavations of the long-chamber Tomb 2 at Dibbā 76, Fujairah (UAE): the data framework
Keywords:
Arabian Peninsula, taphonomy, collective burial, Late Bronze Age, Iron AgeAbstract
This paper presents preliminary results from ongoing bioarchaeological studies at the collective burial site of Dibbā 76 on the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates. Focusing on Tomb 2, a long-chamber structure used from the Late Bronze Age to the pre-Islamic period, the study combines stratigraphic, archaeological, and anthropological data to reconstruct long-term mortuary practices. Excavations reveal a complex depositional history marked by repeated reuse, architectural modifications, and the presence of both primary and secondary burials. The assemblage includes highly commingled human remains alongside partially articulated individuals and distinct depositional patterns, such as concentrations of crania and long bones, indicating deliberate post-depositional manipulation. Preliminary osteological analysis shows individuals of all age groups, predominantly adults. Spatial variation within the tomb suggests different burial treatments and activity phases. The evidence indicates dynamic funerary traditions involving both continuity and change over c.1000 years. Ongoing biomolecular and radiocarbon analyses aim to refine the chronological framework and better understand adaptation strategies in south-eastern Arabia.
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