Reference
OpenAI's Answer
The special status of the deceased in hill graves is often indicated by several types of evidence:
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Grave Goods: Archaeological studies, like those discussed in "Contextualizing Grave Goods" (source), suggest that the inclusion of specific items in graves can signify the deceased's socio-political status or role within the community.
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Grave Markers and Symbols: Elaborate grave markers and symbols, as explored in the Oconee Hill Cemetery Project (source), highlight historical trends and convey cultural beliefs about death and the afterlife. These markers can be indicative of honor and respect for those buried in hill graves.
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Ritual Designation: Cemeteries are often characterized as sacred spaces, reflecting the ritualistic and religious importance of the deceased (as noted in "Situating the Dead: Cemeteries as Material, Symbolic, and Relational" source).
These elements collectively reveal how societies perceive and confer special status upon the deceased in such burial locations.