The Spindle and the Spear: A Critical Enquiry into the Construction and Meaning of Gender in the Early Anglo-Saxon Burial Rite

Based on burial data from 46 Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, Nick Stoodley presents a much needed study of gender issues. A thorough investigation of the attribution of grave goods to either male or female, and of skeletal sexing, leads to a re-assessment of the assumption that weapons and tools = male, and jewellery and dress accessories = female. The author also explores the more general issue of why burial was the chosen arena for the expression of gender roles and differences.