Ritual Litter: Pagan Votive Offerings at Historic and Nature Sites in the UK

Debora Moretti, Sheriden Toso

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Historic and nature sites in Britain have long served as spaces for both historical exploration and spiritual encounters. These sites not only provide opportunities for individuals to interact with physical remnants of the past but also serve as a conduit for individuals following modern Pagan beliefs to engage with the numinous and harmonise with the powers of the universe. Over the past two decades, there has been a noticeable evolution in modern Pagan beliefs, leading to an increased prevalence of votive offerings being left at historic and natural sites throughout the country. However, this practice has introduced challenges for the heritage sector, particularly concerning the use of plastic as the material for some of such offerings. This chapter focuses on three popular sites in Yorkshire and Derbyshire, UK, to examine the typologies and distribution of contemporary votive offerings, as well as evaluate the impact of plastic elements on the environment surrounding these sites.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge Handbook of Archaeology and Plastics
EditorsGenevieve Godin, Þóra Pétursdóttir, Estelle Praet, John Schofield
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter23
Number of pages17
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9781003272311
ISBN (Print)9781032223728
Publication statusPublished - 17 Sept 2024

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