Grave goods - Definition and Overview

In archaeology and anthropology grave goods are the items interred along with the body.

They are usually personal possessions, supplies to smooth the deceased's journey into the afterlife or offerings to the gods. Grave goods are a type of votive deposit. Most grave goods recovered by archaeologists consist of inorganic objects such as pottery and stone and metal tools but there is evidence that organic objects were also placed in tombs although they do not survive as well.