Excavation

Date 2 July 2018 - 24 August 2018

Event ID 1089101

Category Recording

Type Excavation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1089101

HY 303 129 Further investigation of the Neolithic complex

on the Ness of Brodgar was undertaken, 2 July – 24 August

2018. The main structures were further investigated to clarify

their relationships and the individual biographies of each

building. Micromorphic sampling of both floors and middens

again complemented other sampling strategies including

archaeomagnetic and onsite XRF analysis.

Excavation in Trench T concentrated on revealing more

of Structure 27 with the removal of more of the overlying

midden mound (mainly peat ash) and the last remnants

of the numerous pits cut into the middens. Due to the

complexities of their deposition and stratigraphy these

middens were excavated in narrow spits that followed the

general trends of their deposition. Although badly robbed

of stone, the remaining external wall faces particularly on

the SW end of Structure 27 revealed an extraordinary level

of craftsmanship. Internally more orthostats were revealed

that again emphasised the unusual nature of its build. Floor

deposits are still to be exposed across most of the interior.

Half of a cushion macehead, made from rhodochrosite

(same material as two ‘pillow stones’ from Structure 8)

was found in the later midden deposits adjacent to the SW

wall face.

More sections were excavated across later revetted Iron

Age ditch cut into the Neolithic midden mound. The ditch

fills were remarkably devoid of finds apart from a few small

sherds of undiagnostic pot.

Trench J was extended to the SW in order to reveal the

full extent of Structure 5 before tackling the floor deposits

associated with this building. Although the depth and

complexity of the overlying midden deposits and a sequence

of hearths, later walling (Structure 32), and other activity

prevented the floors being wholly exposed. However, the

plan of the Structure 5 was clarified and is reminiscent

of several other early Neolithic houses such as Knap of

Howar and Smerquoy. It is overall c15m long by c7m wide

with two entrances on its SE side. Initial indications are

that there are at least three phases of activity and rebuild

represented.

Trench Y was opened to explore the potential presence of

the enclosure wall on the Stenness side of the site. This was

implied by a drone photograph from 2016 which revealed

a linear vegetation change in the rougher ground along the

shore that would seem to link the N and S boundary walls.

Although large rubble and shillety material was encountered

that may represent robbing debris, no definitive evidence

for the enclosure wall continuing was discovered. However,

a length of curving wall and a hearth was discovered at the

top of the slope leading down to the loch.

In the main Trench P, with the removal of the later phased

curved wall across the middle of Structure 1 last season,

excavation commenced in 2018 with the examination of

the foundation deposits of this wall. This was found to be a

horizon of roofing slabs that probably represents the partial

remains of the original Phase 1 collapsed roof. Sealed by the

slabs were several small, stone-lined postholes relating to

the primary phase probably forming a partition across the

structure. Floor deposits of Phase 1 started to be removed

with the continued use of a 0.5m sampling grid across the

interior. Excavation outside the NW end of Structure 1

recovered two unusual mini pots, one decorated with an

incised motif.

Within Structure 8, the investigation of the floor deposits

across the S end of the building was completed, revealing

more of Structure 17 below, including a hearth. Excavation

of the floors in the N end was continued.

In the central midden area to the S of Structure 8, more

dumps of material were removed to clarify the outer wall

of Structure 8. The partial walls of two further buildings,

Structures 33 and 34 (34 may be part of Structure 23

underlying the N end of Structure 12) were uncovered.

Work within Structure 10 continued on the internal floor

deposits relating to its secondary major phase, concentrating

on the N and W areas of the building. Investigation of

the remnants of a ‘dresser’ like arrangement of thin slabs

against its W inner wall face revealed a fine, banded-gneiss

axe.

To the W of Structure 10, excavation continued to remove

the fill of the outer passage around the building and its

upper fills of monumental amounts of mainly cattle bone.

More paving relating to the passageway was revealed. A

previously excavated section though this passage infill

on the S side of Structure 10 was also slightly cut back

and cleaned. This revealed another dense layer of cattle

bone forming the primary infill of the passage that was not

present elsewhere.

Excavation in Structure 26, the small D-shaped building,

revealed internal stone furniture and an off centre hearth.

Beautifully pick-dressed slabs reminiscent of those

employed in the primary build of Structure 10 had been

reused in its construction.

Numerous other examples of Neolithic art were also

discovered, most notably two examples of a horned spiral:

one in situ just within the entrance to Structure 5 in

Trench J; the other from rubble deposit between Structures

12 and 26. This latter slab also exhibited an eyebrow motif.

Report: Orkney and NRHE (intended)

Funder: Orkney Islands Council, Ness of Brodgar Trust, American

Friends of the Ness of Brodgar, UHI Archaeology Institute and

Orkney Archaeology Society

Nick Card – ORCA and Archaeology Institute, UHI

(Source: DES, Volume 19)