Culverwell - magic & molluscs

The first session of Dorset Archaeology at the Quakers Meeting Hall was an introduction to the Palaeolithic and the rare example of a UK Mesolithic settlement on Portland - Culverwell.  

Flooring

Discovered by Susann Palmer in the mid '60s it is probably the oldest evidence for semi-sedentary occupation in England, if not Britain. Dated to between 8-8.5k years old it is a giant midden of mollusc shells with limestone and Portland stone being used to create a 'floor' drained by a natural gully. This is the earliest example of Portland stone being used in a construction and of course it is still used today. 

Stone & pebble

Remarkably, there is some evidence of ritual activity on the site. The floors have three phases and each one was marked by the depositing of a large stone, one of which was also accompanied by a small, smooth pebble. Under this was a small pit containing a pierced scallop shell, an axe of chert and another pebble, placed on its edge. Such pebbles have ritual significance in some modern aboriginal societies. 

Microliths

Other artefacts found on the site included the usual microliths, 'picks' (elongated stone tools) and chopping tools. But it is the postholes for structures that are rare. Here it is suggested that huts and lean-to structures were made on this well constructed and dry floor and the people used this to then exploit the coastal and river food supply. Added to this is a number of other pierced shells for ornamentation.

The suggestion of a semi-permanent occupation of the site is underlined by the structures, hearths, the marine economy and the tools to exploit this resource, personal ornamentation and possible evidence of ritual and spiritual expression.

Over the last few years the Mesolithic is being reassessed. They were not just wandering nomads, but had semi-permanent camps, especially along the coasts, making use of a steady food supply and perhaps even domesticating dogs and other animals. 

A remarkable Dorset treasure that should be promoted and known locally and nationally.        

New Year

Happy New Year to all who have and will be looking in to this blog. The last two months have been very busy for hits - thanks. I am looking forward to starting my classes again and doing more walks, reporting on the archaeology of Dorset and the south west, as well as the big stories from all over the UK. Keep looking in for information and news, with videos and pics galore.

Have a prosperous 2012.

News - south west archaeology

Dartmoor National Park Archaeologists at work

Ancient burial chamber on Dartmoor restored

A prehistoric monument on Dartmoor (Devon, England) has been restored to its previous condition after a stone that had been removed for laboratory analysis was returned.
     Beads, worked leather and cremated human remains have been discovered in a cist, or burial chamber/chest, at Whitehorse hill after it was removed by Dartmoor National Park Authority's archaeology and conservation works teams. There are roughly 200 cists on Dartmoor, all hidden in the ground or inserted into barrows.
     The Whitehorse hill cist is unique as it is the only known example set within a peat mound. It was first discovered 10 years ago when one of the side stones fell out of the peat mound. Over time, the peat has slowly eroded away revealing more of the cist and its contents.
     After several failed attempts to protect it as a scheduled monument, Dartmoor National Park Authority and English Heritage decided to excavate it in order to recover any surviving archaeological and environmental information before it was lost. One of the stones that was excavated from Dartmoor has now been safely returned, while the contents of the cist remain a subject of scientific study at Wiltshire Conservation Service laboratory in Chippenham.

Edited from This is South Devon (27 December 2011)

Archaeology courses for January

Just a quick post to remind local people that they can sign up for a great 10 week course on 'Dorset Archaeology' at Bridport and Frampton (Dorchester). Starting the 8th and 18th of January.

Dorset Cursus

Hope to see you at the Dorset Cursus (the soil mark on the left-the other feature is a long barrow) on January the 8th at 10am. Meet up at the church at Gussage St Michael.

Change of walk

The walk on the 22nd of January will now be at Oakley Down barrow cemetery and not Bincombe. This is an impressive site and I will be posting more details nearer the day.

All the best for 2012 - Happy New Year.

Artefacts - just 'stuff'?

This is a little video I did some time ago which explains my take on why artefacts are meaningful to me. What would an ancient aretfact mean to you if you found one?