Archaeology Notes

Event ID 673426

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/673426

NM22SE 42 Centred on NM 28605 24465.

Excavation by Barber (1982) in 1979 north of Reilig Oran and east of the Street of the Dead exposed:

'A' (NM 2861 2447) A series of post-holes and pits probably dating from between the early 7th and 11th centurys AD.

'B' (NM 2861 2448) A ditched enclosure, pre-dating 'A' (1 on plan).

'C' (NM 2861 2448) 15 small post holes, medieval (2 on plan).

'D' (NM 2860 2445) A probable kiln, medieval (4 on plan).

'E' (NM 2860 2446) A cross-base, medieval (6 on plan).

'F' (NM 2860 2445) A grave-like pit of unknown date (3 on plan).

'G' (NM 2860 2446) A large shallow pit of unknown date (5 on plan).

J W Barber 1982.

The following objects from ditch 1 are dated to 540-90 AD:

Turned Alnus bowls of Early Historic type 2 (finds 301-3 and 447).

31 pieces of turning waste from bowls; 29 Alnus, 2 Salix. (Finds 447/68- 73, 75-78, 117-29, 221; 444/1; 449/24; 260/1-2, 12, 40; 473/1; 444/6). Stave of early historic type 1 tub (Abies sp.), find 449/8.

Fragmentary spoons (finds 444/22, 447/135, 187).

6 fragmentary spatulae of Pinus sp. (finds 444/4, 19-23).

Carved bung or stopper of Fraxinus excelsior (find 444/197).

The stave-built wooden vessels from Barber's excavations are directly comparable with contemporary Irish types; wooden bowls based on E-ware were also found.

C Earwood 1993.