Coinciding with the discovery and use of Copper and Bronze for tools, weapons and jewellery, a new religious order appears to have emerged during this period.

The rituals surrounding death changed profoundly. Earlier burials had been group affairs but now stone boxes began to be used to hold the remains of individuals. These boxes or cists often included a decorated 'Beaker', thought to contain drink for the afterlife. The box was then buried or occasionally placed within older monuments.