Cast bar bracelets in Unetice culture graves in Bohemia

During an analysis of the Early Bronze Age burial site in Vlineves (central Bohemia, Melnik district), the variability of types of goods in graves of different sex and age was examined. Among other things, the study showed an almost exclusive representation of bar bracelets in the graves of juvenile individuals. An analysis of all available bar bracelet finds in Unetice culture graves in Bohemia suggested that this connection was not random. The authors discuss the hypothesis of the connection of the bracelets with the period of adolescence and related rites of passage, possibly the protective function of these artefacts.