SlideShare une entreprise Scribd logo
1  sur  33
Télécharger pour lire hors ligne
Eachtra Journal

Issue 8                                        [ISSN 2009-2237]




           Archaeological Excavation Report
          E3826 - Caherweelder 7, Co. Galway
                   Iron Working Site
EACHTRA
Archaeological Projects

                          Final Archaeological Excavation Report
                          Caherweelder 7
                          Co. Galway
                          Iron Working Site




                 Date: October 2010

               Client: Galway County Council and National
                       Roads Authority

              Project: N18 Oranmore to Gort
                 E No: E3826

Excavation Director: Linda Hegarty

          Written by: Linda Hegarty
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 7 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Final Archaeological Excavation Report
                                     Caherweelder 7
                                                 Co. Galway




                                                   Excavation Director

                                                 Linda Hegarty

                                                         Written By

                                                 Linda Hegarty




                                                       EACHTRA
                                                       Archaeological Projects




                           CORK                                                                 GALWAY
               The Forge, Innishannon, Co. Cork                           Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway
tel: 021 4701616 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: info@eachtra.ie       tel: 091 763673 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: galway@eachtra.ie
© Eachtra Archaeological Projects 2010
  The Forge, Innishannon, Co Cork




        Set in 12pt Garamond
          Printed in Ireland
Table of Contents
        Summary���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������iii
        Acknowledgements�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� iv
1	      Introduction	������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1
2	      Background	to	the	scheme	�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
3	      Topography,	geology	and	hydrology	������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
4	      Archaeological	and	historical	background	��������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
5	      Site	description	������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
6	      Methodology	���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
7	      Results	of	excavation		������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
        7�1 SmithinghearthorSmeltingfurnace����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
        7�2 Disturbedlayers��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
8	      Charcoal	�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
9	      Animal	bone	���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11
10	 Lithics		���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11
11	 Metallurgy	�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11
12	 Radiocarbon	dates	���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12
13	 Discussion	�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13
14	 References	�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14
Appendix	1		 Context	register	�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Appendix	3	 Groups	and	subgroups	������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 16
                                �
Appendix	4	 Stone	artefacts	���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18
Appendix	5	 Charcoal	analysis	������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20
Appendix	6	 Animal	bone	report	�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������23




                                                                                                                                                                                     i
List of Figures
     Figure	1:	   Discovery	 Series	 Ordnance	 Survey	 map	 showing	 the	 route	 of	 the	 new	 N18	
                  Oranmore	to	Gort	road	and	the	location	of	all	the	excavation	sites�	The	excavation	
                  site	at	Caherweelder	is	highlighted�	��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2
     Figure	2:	   The	 route	 of	the	 new	 N18	 Oranmore	to	Gort	 road	 overlaid	 on	 the	 first	 edition	
                  Ordnance	Survey	map	(Sheet	GA113)�	The	excavation	site	at	Caherweelder	is	also	
                  highlighted�	�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
     Figure	3:	   The	 route	 of	 the	 new	 N18	 Oranmore	 to	 Gort	 road	 overlaid	 on	 the	 25	 inch	
                  Ordnance	Survey	map	(Sheet	GA113)�	The	excavation	site	at	Caherweelder	is	also	
                  highlighted�	�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5
     Figure	4:	   The	 route	 of	 the	 new	 N18	 Oranmore	 to	 Gort	 road	 overlaid	 on	 the	 Record	 of	
                  Monuments	and	Places	map	which	is	based	on	second	edition	Ordnance	Survey	
                  map	(Sheet	GA113)�		����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6
     Figure	5:	   Post-excavation	plan	of	the	site	at	Caherweelder	7�	��������������������������������������������������������������������� 9


     List of Plates
     Plate	1:	    Work	in	progress	on	the	excavation���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
     Plate	2:	    Postexcavation	photograph	of	the	hearth/furnace	and	earliest	charcoal	deposit�	���������10
     Plate	3:	    General	view	of	the	hearth/furnace�	�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10




ii
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                   http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




Summary
The excavation of a charcoal-rich layer atop a gravel ridge at Caherweelder revealed an
ironworking hearth or furnace which produced two Iron Age dates. A single chert piece,
identified as a possible hone stone, was found, and along with a small but varied animal
bone assemblage, including cattle, pig, sheep/goat and red deer may represent detritus
from a broad time span. Charcoal analysis identified that a range of species were collected
for ironworking with alder dominating one lower layer and charcoal from hawthorn/
apple-type dominating a higher layer of the ironworking pit. The two radiocarbon dates
acquired for the site revealed dates tightly clustered in the Iron Age period (cal BC 85–80
–cal AD 54–59; cal BC 91–69 – cal AD 36–52).

Townland                        Caherweelder
Parish                          Killeely
Barony                          Kiltartan
County                          Galway
Ministerial Order Number        A045
E Number                        E3826
OS Map Sheet                    GA103
National Grid Reference         144622/216591
Elevation                       25 m O.D.
Site Type                       Iron smithing/smelting site




                                                                                                                       iii
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                        Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




              Acknowledgements
              The excavation director was Linda Hegarty and the site supervisor was Paul Neary. The
              field crew included Rafal Wolanski, Anna Hellgren, Mikaela Fransson, Patryk Jawor,
              Myriam Velzquez Diaz, Seamus McGinley. The senior archaeologist was Finn Delaney
              and the post-excavation manager was Jacinta Kiely. Choryna Kiely, Fillip Debniak and
              Fiona Greene were involved with the administration of the project. Illustrations are by
              Ben Blakeman and Maurizio Toscano. Specialist analysis was carried out by Margaret
              McCarthy, Farina Sternke, Mary Dillon and Tim Young and the 14 Chrono Centre at
              Queen’s University Belfast. Joseph O’Brien was the resident engineer for consultant engi-
              neers Hyder Tobin. The project was commissioned by Galway County Council and was
              funded by the National Roads Authority. The Project Archaeologist was Jerry O’Sullivan.




iv
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




1     Introduction
This report constitutes the final excavation report on an Iron Age smithing hearth or
smelting furnace in the townland of Caherweelder in south Galway (Fig 1). The site was
excavated as part of the archaeological excavation programme in advance of construction
of the N18 Gort to Oranmore road scheme. The site was discovered during Phase 1 ar-
chaeological testing of the new route under Ministerial Directions A045 (E3826).



2     Background to the scheme
The N18 Oranmore to Gort (Glenbrack to Rathmorrissey) national road scheme was
approved by An Bórd Pleanála on 7 June 2007. The development will consist of approxi-
mately 27 km of dual carriageway, and all associated works. The area of archaeological
investigations lies within the footprint of the proposed scheme as defined by the Com-
pulsory Purchase Order (CPO) published by Galway County Council on 1 August 2006.
Eachtra Archaeological Projects was commissioned by Galway County Council and the
National Roads Authority to undertake Phase 1 archaeological testing and Phase 2 exca-
vation of sites directly affected by the proposed development.



3     Topography, geology and hydrology
The underlying geology in the surrounding area is Carboniferous limestone of the Bur-
ren and Tubber formations bordered by Namurian shales and sandstones to the west, in
Co. Clare, and Devonian old red sandstone to the east, in the Slieve Aughty uplands.
Glacial till overlies the bedrock to varying depths (0–5 m) and the soils derived from
the till are generally deep, well-drained brown earths. The topsoils are characteristically
deep and dry and, enriched by the limestone parent material, support moderately good
grass pastures. There are boulder fields and expanses of bedrock exposure typical of karst
limestone country.
    Caherweelder 7 is located in a region of relatively good soil variability. In an area of
1 sq km around this townland there is a prevalence of deep, well-drained mineral soil,
with a relatively small percentage of shallow, well-drained soil (16.4%) and deep, poorly-
drained mineral soil (about 4%).
    Turloughs and swallow-holes are features of areas with an underlying limestone bed-
rock which enables the groundwater and water table to produce sometimes perplexing
drainage systems. A turlough is shown on the mid-1800s first edition Ordnance Survey
map of the area directly to the south of the excavation site (Fig 3). The turlough appears
to be fed by a spring marked as ‘Toberawoneen pool’. Water features appear to be a char-
acteristic of the surrounding landscape as a well marked as ‘William Connolly’s well’ is
shown to the east of the turlough and to the south another small well is marked ‘Peter’s
well’. A small spring to the south of the townland is marked as ‘Pollbaun’. The second



                                                                                                                    1
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                                               Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report

                135000                                                142500                                                        150000




                                                                                                                      Derrydonnell More
                                                                                                                            E3867
                                                                            Coldwood
225600




                                                                                                                                                      225600
                                                                             E3887


                                                                                                                  Moyveela 3
                                                                   Moyveela 2                                      E3907
                                                                    E3884


                                                                                                             Moyveela 1
                                                                Ballinillaun 2                                E3883
                                                                   E3886

                                                                                                     Ballinillaun 1
                                                                                                        E3888


                                                                 Lavally
                                                                 E3869




                                                                 Roevehagh 2
                                                                   E4012                                Roevehagh 1
                                                                                                          E3885


                                                                                                       Caherweelder 7
                                                               Caherweelder 6                             E3826
                                                                   E3871

                                                                                                      Caherweelder 5
                                                           Caherweelder 4                                E3866
                                                               E3708

                                                                                                     Caherweelder 3
                                                        Caherweelder 2                                  E3889
                                                           E3890

                                                                                                    Caherweelder 1
                                                                                                       E3880
214400




                                                                                                                                                      214400
                                                                                       Owenbristy
                                                                                         E3770

                                             Drumharsna North
                                                 E3868

                                                                                          Drumharsna South
                                                                                              E3872


                                                    Cullenagh More
                                                         E3881

                                                                                                      Ballyglass West
                                                                                                           E3870




         Caherweelder 7
203200




                                                                                                                                                      203200




                                                                                                                                                  ¢
                135000                                                142500                                                        150000
                                                           0                                   5                                             10
                CPO line       Excavation Areas
     Figure	1:	 Discovery	Series	Ordnance	Survey	map	showing	the	route	of	the	new	N18	Oranmore	to	Gort	road	and	the	
                                                                                           Kilometres

                location	of	all	the	excavation	sites�	The	excavation	site	at	Caherweelder	is	highlighted�
  2
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                            http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/

                    144000                                                                                     145200




                                                                                                       RINN (ED KILLEELY)
217200




                                                                                                                                  217200
                                                                                        BALLYNASTAIG (DUNKELLIN BY)
                   BALLYNABUCKY (DUNKELLIN BY)




          CAHERPEAK
             EAST
                                                                    CAHERWEELDER

                             KILTIERNAN EAST




             Caherweelder 7
215800




                                                                                                                                  215800




          KILTIERNAN EAST




                                                                                        CARANAVOODAUN




                                                                                                                            ¢
                    144000                                                                                     145200


                                                                        0                  0.25                 0.5
                      CPO line                 Excavation Areas
                                                                                         Kilometres
         Figure	2:	 The	route	of	the	new	N18	Oranmore	to	Gort	road	overlaid	on	the	first	edition	Ordnance	Survey	map	(Sheet	
                    GA113)�	The	excavation	site	at	Caherweelder	is	also	highlighted�
                                                                                                                                  3
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                           Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




              edition six-inch and 25-inch Ordnance Survey maps show a large drain running east from
              the site of ‘Connolly’s Well’. The drain was probably inserted to drain the turlough and
              the water originating from ‘Toberawoneen Pool’.



              4      Archaeological and historical background
              The townland name Caherweelder derives from the Irish Cathair Mhaoilir. The first part
              of the placename is easily resolved as stemming from caher or a ‘stone fort’ and the first
              edition Ordnance Survey map illustrates and names a stone fort as ‘Caherweelder’ at the
              centre of the townland. The second part of the placename Maoilir is less transparent. It
              could refer to a family name such as ‘Mulder’ which would translate as ‘Mulder’s stone
              fort’. Maoil in Irish means to overflow and could be related to the turlough at the centre
              of the townland. Another possibility is that it derives from Maethail meaning ‘soft land’
              which would be equally apt or Maol meaning bald, as in bald/dilapidated structure (roof-
              less), land,or even bald (hornless) cattle (Joyce 1913, Vol I, 395).
                   We know very little of Irish Iron Age settlement and burial outside the major com-
              plexes of royal ritual sites and a small number of burial sites that may be Iron Age in date.
              Deficiencies in our knowledge of the settlements and habitations of ordinary people are
              so marked that Raftery referred to the majority of the population as the ‘invisible people’
              (1994, 112). The majority of the evidence for the Iron Age period consists of finds of La
              Tène decorated metalwork and some pieces of stone sculpture. Examples of La Tène ar-
              tefacts/monuments from east Galway include the Turoe Stone located close to Loughrea
              and a Late La Tène metal artefact found at Rahally hillfort. A preliminary radiocarbon
              date from Rahally indicates a date of cal 900 BC. (Mullins in progress). Iron Age radio-
              carbon dates were obtained from excavations of pre-enclosure remains at an enclosure
              site at Loughbown 2, also excavated along the route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe
              road (Contract 4). However, medieval dates were also obtained from Loughbown 2 and
              the exact nature of occupation at the site during the Iron Age is uncertain.
                   A second-century BC Iron Age burial ring ditch was excavated at Deerpark, 10 km to
              the north-east of Caherweelder (Wilkins et al 2007).
                   Barrows are burial monuments of the Bronze Age and Iron Age, which usually consist
              of a circular central area, which may be flat or slightly dished (a ring ditch), or domed (a
              ring barrow), and which is enclosed by a ditch and occasionally by an external bank.
                   The distribution map of recorded prehistoric monuments close to the road scheme
              reveals two concentrations of ring barrows with seemingly corresponding concentrations
              of burnt mounds in close proximity. There is a concentration of ring barrows around the
              townland of Derrydonnell North (Fig 5) and a concentration of burnt mounds to the east
              of this located to the south and south-west of Atherny. There is also a concentration of
              ring barrows located to the south of Craughwell (Fig 5). This is known as the Dunkellin
              barrow group and has been studied by McCaffrey (1955).




4
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                    http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/

                    143880                                                                          144960
217000




                                                                                                                          217000
216000




                                                                                                                          216000




         Caherweelder 7




                                                                                                                    ¢
                    143880                                                                          144960


                                                                0                  0.25                  0.5
                   CPO line           Excavation Areas
                                                                                 Kilometres
     Figure	3:	 The	route	of	the	new	N18	Oranmore	to	Gort	road	overlaid	on	the	25	inch	Ordnance	Survey	map	(Sheet	
                GA113)�	The	excavation	site	at	Caherweelder	is	also	highlighted�
                                                                                                                           5
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                                          Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report

                            144070                                                                        145100
217040




                                                                                                                             217040
216000




                                                                                                                             216000




           Caherweelder 7




                                                                                                                         ¢
                            144070                                                                        145100

            FULACHT FIADH    RINGFORT - CASHEL   WELL
                                                               CPO LINE          0                 0.25            0.5
            EARTHWORK        RINGFORT - RATH     HOLY WELL
                                                                                                 Kilometres
                                                               EXCAVATION AREA
            SOUTERRAIN        SETTLEMENT CLUSTER
         Figure	4:	 The	route	of	the	new	N18	Oranmore	to	Gort	road	overlaid	on	the	Record	of	Monuments	and	Places	map	
                    which	is	based	on	second	edition	Ordnance	Survey	map	(Sheet	GA113)�	
  6
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




5     Site description
The site is located in Caherweelder townland in the Barony of Kiltartan, Co. Galway, at
NGR 144622/216591 and 25 m OD. The hearth/furnace was situated on a level plateau,
on top of a gravel ridge. A gravel extraction pit, a cattle crush and tertiary road are located
to the immediate north-west.



6     Methodology
An area measuring 605 sq m was stripped of topsoil by machine under supervision to re-
veal the extent of the archaeological deposits. The site was then subjected to an intensive
surface clean by hand. The low mound of charcoal-rich sediment was divided into four
quadrants by baulks running approximately east to west and north to south. The mound
was fully excavated by hand and recorded using the single-context recording system with
plans and sections being produced at a scale of 1:20 or 1:10 as appropriate. A complete
photographic record was maintained throughout the excavation.
    The soil samples taken during the excavation were sieved and the resultant flots were
examined by Mary Dillon for plant remains and charcoal analysis. Two charcoal samples
were sent for radiocarbon dating to Queen’s University in Belfast. Slag from the hearth
was examined by Tim Young.



7     Results of excavation

7.1 Smithing hearth or Smelting furnace
A large, sub-circular, pit (C.8) measuring 1.9 m in length by 1.35 m in width by 0.35 m
deep was found following the removal of a charcoal-rich layer. The main fill (C.7) com-
prised a mid brownish black clay silt and a medium density of stone inclusions. It had
a depth of 0.35 m. A lower fill (C.11) was a soft black charcoal-rich layer, dominated by
alder, with small pieces of burnt clay. A basal fill (C.10) was friable mid yellowish white
residue which measured 0.50 m by 0.10 m and had a maximum depth of 0.25 m. This was
interpreted as an ashy deposit during the excavation and the absence of charcoal from this
sample indicates it could be a non-wood ash.
    A side fill (C.9) measured 0.38 m by 0.18 m and was comprised of baked clay and frag-
ments of iron slag and was formed due to the absence of a tuyére in the smithing hearth.


7.2 Disturbed layers
A large layer of loose, dark brown sand (C.4) covered an area measuring 7.5 m north-east
– south-west x 6.25 m x 0.20 m depth. This layer overlay a grey/black stony sand layer




                                                                                                                     7
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                          Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




              Plate	1:	 Work	in	progress	on	the	excavation


              (C.5) which measured 4 m north-east –south-west by 2.5 m x 0.5 m depth. The loose
              sandy layers appear to have been mixed by tree root activity.



              8      Charcoal
              In all, 60 fragments of charcoal were analysed from two samples. The samples came from
              the hearth/furnace (C.7, C.11). Charcoal was frequent in two of the samples, and absent
              from a third (C. 10) which was described as ash-like during excavation.
                  The most common wood types identified were Pomoideae (hawthorn, apple, pear,
              mountain ash), hazel and alder. In all, eight wood types were identified. Both layers
              which contained charcoal had different proportions of species present with Pomoideae
              apparently dominating in the upper fill (C.7) and alder in the lower fill. Most of the trees
              present are typical of scrubland although the alder probably grew on the edges of the ad-
              jacent turlough. The layer dominated by Pomoideae is interesting as hawthorn and apple
              both produce good heat when burned (Anon 1999) and appear to have been deliberately
              selected for the ironworking fire.




8
144615                                          144632




                                                                                                ±




    216601
                                                                                                    216601
                                                                                                                  Caherweelder 7-e3826




                                                                                   4




                                                                               8




    216590
                                                                                                    216590




                                                0                         5m
                                       144615                                          144632
         Figure	5:	 Post-excavation	plan	of	the	site	at	Caherweelder	7�
                                                                                                             http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




9
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                                Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




              Plate	2:	 Postexcavation	photograph	of	the	hearth/furnace	and	earliest	charcoal	deposit�




              Plate	3:	 General	view	of	the	hearth/furnace�




10
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




9     Animal bone
The animal bone recovered from the site was a small, but varied assemblage, including
pig, cow, horse, sheep/goat, dog and red deer (Appendix 7). All of the bone was found
in the charcoal-rich layer (C.4) which covered much of the site and this layer had such a
loose, mixed, composition that it is possible that the animal bones were deposited over a
very wide period of time. The first edition Ordnance Survey map shows the area to have
been covered by scrubland in the mid-nineteenth century which could have caused a
high degree of bioturbation resulting in the mixing of archaeological and modern bones.
Alternatively, the bones may be primary deposits disturbed by later bioturbation but with
little contamination.



10 Lithics
A single piece of worked chert was found in the spoil heap during the excavation and has
been identified by Dr Farina Sternke. Allied with the large amount of potentially modern
animal bone on this site we cannot be sure how old chert piece. It could, however, also be
Iron Age in provenance and related to the ironworking process.



11 Metallurgy
The sieve retents from the pit fills contain a modest quantity of flow slags. These would be
indicative of iron smelting in a slagpit furnace. The pit cut is much larger than is normal
for a slagpit furnace (typically they lie in the 28–56 cm diameter range). The in situ slag
shows a substantial concavity lined with a thin slag crust. Such hollows may be eroded
by slag interacting with the wall of the hearth/furnace immediately below the blowhole.
     The structure therefore shows rather conflicting features. The structural aspect, in-
cluding the apparent large diameter and the eroded wall of the structure by slag interac-
tion reaching close to its base, is suggestive of this structure being a smithing hearth. The
residues with the flll of the structure are, however, clearly from iron smelting.
     The structure might either, therefore, (a) be a smithing hearth, with the former po-
sition of the blowhole indicated by the in situ slag mass, which has smelting residues
dumped into it after it was abandoned, or (b) the basal pit of a smelting furnace, with an
unusually deep level of interaction between slag and wall below the blowhole, and which
has probably been widened by erosion after its use (or burnt materials outside the cut were
removed during excavation).




                                                                                                                   11
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                            Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




              12 Radiocarbon dates
              Radiocarbon analysis was carried out by the 14 Chrono Centre in Queen’s University
              Belfast. Dates were calibrated using Calib Rev5.0.2 (©1986–2005 M.Stuiver  P.J. Re-
              imer) and in conjunction with Stuiver  Reimer 1993 and Reimer et al. 2004.
                  Dates were obtained from an upper fill and a lower charcoal-rich layer of the smith-
              ing hearth. Both dates correspond to the Iron Age period. A range of dates from similar
              ironworking sites is also presented below.

              Lab. Code Context Sample Material Years BP      δ 13 C 1 sigma    2 sigma      Period
                                                                     calibrated calibrated
                                                                     BC         BC
              UB-11284 7             6      Hazel   2009+/-25                   cal BC       Iron Age
                                                                                85–80 and
                                                                                54-cal AD
                                                                                59
              UB-11285 11            7      Hazel   2021+/-23                   cal BC       Iron Age
                                                                                91–69 and
                                                                                60-cal AD
                                                                                32 and cal
                                                                                AD 36–52

              Site Name             C14 Dates             County
                                    2 sigma
              Tonybaun              477 BC – 25 AD        Mayo
              Newrath, Co. Kilkenny 397 – 312 BC          Kilkenny
              Curraheen 1           375 – 185 BC          Cork
              Transtown, N8 (oak)   364–349 BC, 313–208   Cork
                                    BC
              Lisnagar Demesne 1    360 BC - 60 AD,       Cork
              (oak)
              Kilrussane, N8 (oak)  199–60 BC             Cork
              Caherweelder 7        91 BC – AD 32         Galway




12
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




13 Discussion
Caherweelder is one of the archaeologically richest townlands encountered on this project.
The road here was designed to avoid known archaeological sites but it subsequently en-
countered a concentration of Bronze Age burnt mounds, probably peripheral to a core
settlement. A cluster of early medieval sites, approximately 500 m to the north-east on the
higher, drier ground perhaps indicating the better ground for settlement.
    It is hypothesized that the main factor affecting the location of the newfound sites
in Caherweelder was the proximity to fuel. Both burnt mounds and this Iron Age iron-
working site have high fuel requirements. The charcoal identifications from all sites in
Caherweelder indicate the presence of a mixed deciduous scrub cover, involving a mosaic
of species including hazel and willow with ash and other species present. Repeated cutting
of the woodland for fuel would have resulted in adventitious coppicing.
    Iron Age metalworking sites (Becker et al. 2008, 35) have been found throughout
most of Ireland and this site extends the activity into south Galway. We have no Iron Age
settlement associated with the site but the richness of the Bronze Age archaeology which
preceded it, and the early medieval sites to the west and north, which followed it, indicate
that there may have been continuous occupation in the Caherweelder area from the pre-
historic into the early historic period.




                                                                                                                   13
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                            Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




              14 References
              Anon 1999 The burning properties of wood. www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/
                   facts/pdfs/ fs315001.pdf

              Becker, K, Ó Néill, J, and Flynn, L 2008 Iron Age Ireland: Finding an invisible people.
                   The Heritage Council, Dublin.

              Joyce, P W 1867–1913 Names of Irish Places, 3 vols. London  Dublin.

              McCaffrey, P 1955 ‘The Dunkellin barrow group’, Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of
                  Ireland,Vol. 85 (II), 218–25.


              Raftery, B. 1994 Pagan Celtic Ireland: the enigma of the Irish Iron Age. London, Thames
                    and Hudson.

              Waddell, J 2000 The prehistoric archaeology of Ireland. Wordwell

              Wilkins, B, Bunce, A and Lalonde, S. 2007 Final Report on archaeological
                   investigations at Site E2438, a ring-ditch with cremation deposits in the
                   townland of Deerpark, Co. Galway. (http://www.scribd.com/doc/13400099/
                   Deerpark-Iron-Age-ringditch-withcremationdeposits)




14
Caherweelder 7-e3826                           http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




Appendix 1 Context register
Please see attached CD for Context Register.




                                                                                                              15
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                         Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




              Appendix 3 Groups and subgroups

              Natural Deposits – Group 1

              Topsoil - C.1
              Description
              A soft dark brown clayey silt with a medium density of pebbles and stones which occured
              in variety of shapes and sizes.

              Interpretation
              This represented the topsoil which had formed across the site.


              Subsoil –C.2
              Description
              A loose pebbly sand mid grey in colour. A frequent occurrence of various shape of fine
              and medium pebbles. Moderate to occasional occurrence of sub-angular coarse pebbles
              was also noted.

              Interpretation
              This was the underlying subsoil of the site.


              Mound- Group 2

              Layer- C.4
              Description
              The layer consisted of loose dark brown to black stony clayey sand (C.4). This deposit
              measured 7.5 m north-east to south-west, 6.25 m north-west to south-east and varied in
              depth between 0.1 m and 0.2 m.

              Interpretation
              Probably related to the adjacent metal working pit cut C.8 and may be discarded residue
              from successive fires.


              Layer- C.5
              Description
              This deposit was a loose grey/black stony, clayey sand. This deposit measured c.4 m north-
              east to south-west, 2.5 m north-west to south-east and 0.5 m maximum depth

              Interpretation



16
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




Probably related to the adjacent metal working pit cut C.8 and may be discarded residue
from successive fires.


Subgroup 2
Context Number C.6

Description
A soft mid black silty sand. This deposit measured c.1.7m north to south, 1.65 m east west
and had a maximum depth of 0.22m

Interpretation
Probably related to the adjacent metal working pit cut C.8 and may be discarded residue
from successive fires.



Metal working pit Group 3

Pit C.8 filled with C.7, C.9, C.10 and C.11
Description
This pit measured 1.9 m in length and 1.35 m in width and was 0.35m deep. The pit was
sub circular in plan. The fill C.7 comprised a mid brownish black clayey silt and a me-
dium density of stone inclusions. It had a depth of 0.35m. C.9 measured 0.38m by 0.18m
and was described as iron slag. C10 was friable mid yellowish white residue which meas-
ured 0.50m by 0.10m and had a maximum depth of 0.25m. C.11 was a soft black charcoal
layer with occasional occurrence of flecks and small pieces of burnt clay.

Interpretation
The pit (C.8) may be a conjoined bowl furnace and waste pit. The basal layers consisted
of a charcoal lens (C.11) and possible ash (C.10). Above these layers was a solid lump of
slag (C.9) and overlying this was the main pit fill (C.7). It appears that this pit was a bowl
furnace and any waste material was dumped directly next to it.




                                                                                                                    17
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                                                        Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




              Appendix 4 Stone artefacts
              by Farina Sternke


              Introduction
              One lithic find from the archaeological investigations of a possible prehistoric site at Ca-
              herweelder 7, Co. Galway was presented for analysis (Table 1). The find was associated
              with a burnt spread which covered a bowl furnace.




                                                                                                        Thickness (mm)
              Find Number




                                                                             Length (mm)

                                                                                           Width (mm)




                                                                                                                                                       Sub-Period
                                                                                                                                                                    Reliability
                                                        Condition




                                                                                                                         Complete
                                      Material




                                                                                                                                    Retouch
                            Context




                                                                    Cortex




                                                                                                                                              Period
                                                 Type




               E3826:3:1 3             Chert
                                         Hone       Rolled No 59 40 9 No No                                                                   Bronze                 Medium
                                         Stone?                                                                                               Age
              Table	1			Composition	of	the	Lithic	Assemblage	from	Caherweelder	7	(E3826)


              Provenance
              The find was recovered from the spoil heap (C3).


              Condition
              The lithic survives in rolled and incomplete condition (see Plate 1).


              Technology
              The artefact is a possible hone stone (E3826:3:1). It is smoothened and worn on all its sides
              and bears macroscopically visible striations on one edge. The possible hone stone meas-
              ures 59 mm long and 40 mm wide and 9 mm thick (see Figure 1).




              Plate	1:	Worked	chert,	possible	hone	stone	(find	E3826:3:1)	




18
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                       http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




       0                                   50mm



Figure	1:	Worked	chert,	possible	hone	stone	(find	E3826:3:1)	

Dating
The artefact is typologically and technologically undiagnostic.


Conservation
Lithics do not require specific conservation, but should be stored in a dry, stable environ-
ment. Preferably, each lithic should be bagged separately and contact with other lithics
should be avoided, so as to prevent damage and breakage, in particular edge damage
which could later be misinterpreted as retouch. Larger and heavier items are best kept in
individual boxes to avoid crushing of smaller assemblage pieces.


Conclusion
The lithic find from the archaeological excavation at Caherweelder 7, Co. Galway is a
possible hone stone made of chert which may date to the Iron Age and may be linked to
metalworking activities carried out at the site.


Bibliography
Inizan, M.-L., M. Reduron-Ballinger, H. Roche and J. Tixier, 1999. Technology and
      Terminology of Knapped Stone 5. CREP, Nanterre.

Woodman, P. C., Finlay, N. and E. Anderson, 2006. The Archaeology of a Collection:
    The Keiller-Knowles Collection of the National Museum of Ireland. National
    Museum of Ireland Monograph Series 2. Wordwell, Bray.




                                                                                                                          19
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                            Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




              Appendix 5 Charcoal analysis
              By Mary Dillon


              Introduction
              This report gives the results of the analysis of charcoal from samples taken during excava-
              tion at Caherweelder 7 (E3826) in Co. Galway. The excavation found a layer and furnace/
              hearth. The samples esamined came from the fills of the hearth. The samples from this
              site contained charcoal, teeth, bone, slag, tiny flint flakes, hazelnut shell and land mol-
              luscs. Charcoal was frequent in two of the samples but was absent from one sample.


              Methodology
              Bulk soil samples were collected on site and were processed by the Eachtra. All charcoal
              fragments that measured 2 mm or greater in the transverse section were identified. Each
              fragment was prepared for microscopic examination by fracturing it by hand and thereby
              exposing a clean surface along transverse, radial and tangential planes. All three planes
              were examined at a range of magnifications. For reference literature the Schweingruber
              (1990) was consulted. The number and weight of fragments were recorded for each wood
              type.


              Results
              In all, 60 fragments of charcoal were analysed from two samples. The third sample (S8
              from C10, an ashy deposit) had no charcoal. Hazel was present in the other two samples
              and this is recommended, and marked as suitable, for submitting for dating as it has a
              lifespan of just 80 years.
                   In Figs. 1 and 2 percentage frequencies of the various wood types, based on fragment
              count and dry weight respectively, are shown. The most common wood types based on
              fragment count were pomoideae (33%), hazel (28%), and alder (22%). Spindle (5%), Prunus
              (5%), ash (3%), willow/aspen (2%) and oak (2%) were also present (see Fig. 1, Table 1).
                   When the results of percentage weight are taken into account the results change
              slightly (Fig. 2, Table 2.). The main difference is that alder becomes more popular than
              hazel.

               Context     Hazel Oak Pomoideae             Alder Prunus    Ash   Willow/aspen     Spindle
               and
               sample
               C7, S6      8                19                             2     1
               C11, S7     9         1      1              13     3                               3
              Table	1�	Charcoal	fragments	sorted	by	sample	and	wood	type




20
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                              http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




 Context     Hazel Oak Pomoideae             Alder Prunus                  Ash     Willow/aspen         Spindle
 and
 sample
 C7, S6      0.2              1.3                                          0.1     0.05
 C11, S7     0.6      0.1     0.1            0.9     0.3                                                0.1
Table	2�	Charcoal	weight	sorted	by	sample	and	wood	type


Discussion
The samples came from a possible bowl furnace which seems to have been used to dump
waste. Contexts 7 and 10 contained bone, tiny flint flakes, animal teeth, hazel nut shell
and slag.
   The charcoal assembleage Caherweelder 7 is similar to the near-by burnt mound sites
Caherweelder 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 (Dillon, 2009a,b,c,d and e)

                                   Willow /aspen    Spindle
                             Ash        2%            5%
                             3%
                          Prunus                                           Hazel
                            5%                                             28%



                  Alder
                  22%
                                                                          Oak
                                                                          2%




                                                              Pomoideae
                                                                33%


Fig�	1�	Percentage	fragment	frequency



                               Willow /aspen       Spindle
                                    1%               3%
            Ash
                                                               Hazel
            3%
                                                               21%
                   Prunus
                     8%
                                                                       Oak
                                                                       3%


               Alder
               24%



                                                                  Pomoideae
                                                                    37%


Fig�	2�	Percentage	weight	




                                                                                                                                 21
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                            Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




              Pomoideae - Sorbus/Crataegus (rowan/whitebeam/hawthorn/crabapple). This char-
              coal type made up 33% of the assemblage and was the dominant wood type. Woodlands
              and woodland-related environments are the normal habitats for the various woody plants
              that may be represented in this charcoal type. An important habitat, especially for haw-
              thorn (Crataegus), is on the edge of woodlands (cf. Wilmanns and Brun-Hool 1982).
              Caherweelder 7 is the only Caherweelder burnt mound site where pomoideae is the most
              common wood type.

              Corylus (hazel; C. avellana). Hazel accounted for 28% of all charcoal fragments identi-
              fied. Hazel was widely exploited in both prehistory and historical times for its nutritious
              nuts and supple rods which were widely used for building. Its coppice-like growth form
              makes it relatively easy to cut and there are normally substantial quantities of dead wood
              available near ground level. Pollen analytical studies indicate that hazel was of great im-
              portance in Ireland for most of the Holocene. It is one of the more frequent native trees
              growing in south Co. Galway today.

              Alnus (alder; A. glutinosa). Alnus is represented at 22%. Alder was probably largely con-
              fined to damp/wet areas. It should be noted, however, that alder wood does not burn well
              but is commonly found in samples from burnt mound sites (ibid).

              Spindle (Euonymus Europaeus), Prunus spp. (includes wild cherry (P. avium), bird cher-
              ry (P. padus) and blackthorn (P. spinosa)), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), willow/aspen (Salix/
              Populus) and oak (Quercus) were also present in smaller amounts. Spindle tree is a rarer
              tree than the others represented here. It’s a small tree that favours the rocky limestone soils
              of the burren and south Galway.


              Conclusion
              The samples from Caherweelder 7 furnace or hearth contained a lot of waste material.
              Charcoal was frequent in two of the samples, and absent from the third. The most com-
              mon wood types identified were pomoideae, hazel and alder. In all, eight wood types were
              identified and these were similar to those from the other Caherweelder sites.


              References
              Schweingruber, F.H. 1990. Mircoscopic Wood Anatomy. Swiss Federal Institute for
                   Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf.

              Wilmanns O., Brun-Hool J. 1982. Irish Mantel and Saum vegetation. In: J. White (ed.)
                  Studies on Irish vegetation, Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, 167–174




22
Caherweelder 7-e3826                                        http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/




Appendix 6 Animal bone report
by Margaret McCarthy
The animal bones from Caherweelder 7 were all recovered from the main layer of dark
brown to black stony clay (C4) that underlay the topsoil. The bones were generally poorly
preserved with high rates of fragmentation and a disproportionate amount of loose teeth,
often indicative of poor soil preservation conditions. The post-cranial bone had clearly
undergone a considerable erosion of the surface, due to post-depositional taphonomic
processes and most fragments were brittle and eroded. Despite this, the samples produced
a wide range of identifiable species in comparison to the two burnt mounds excavated in
Caherweelder townland as part of the N18 Oranmore-Gort excavations.
    The distribution of mammals is shown in Table 1. In all, 140 bones were presented for
examination and of these 56 were diagnostic to species. There is a certain consistency in
the representation of skeletal elements linked presumably to taphonomic processes with
high scores for loose teeth and fragments that could only be classified into size groupings.
No complete bones were found, so no conclusion could be made concerning the size and
sex of the animals present at the site. None of the bones showed definite traces of butchery
relating to the dismemberment of the carcass but this is attributed to the poor condition
of preservation of the remains.

            Horse       Cow         S/G*      Pig    Red Deer        Dog       LM*       MM*        Total
C4          2           22          3         20     1               8         39        45         140
S/G*	Sheep/Goat			LM*	Large	mammal			MM*	Medium	mammal			
Table	1:	Distribution	of	mammals	

     Cattle were the dominant species contributing 22 bones out of an identifiable sample
of 56 fragments. Skeletal element analysis indicated that loose teeth predominated, ac-
counting for 78% of the identified sample. The sample also included three skull frag-
ments and a single ulna and vertebra. The age data available showed that all cattle were
slaughtered when mature. There was a high proportion of pig bones and in common with
cattle, the sample was dominated by loose teeth. Other identifiable pig bones included
portions of skull, humerus, tibia, calcaneum and mandible. Epiphyseal fusion evidence
from the tibia indicated that the individual had reached two years of age before slaughter.
Sheep were represented by two skull fragments and a complete second phalanx from an
individual over seven months at slaughter.
     The analysis of the bones also identified the presence of horse, dog and red deer at the
site. The horse sample consisted of two molars from a single adult individual, over four
years of age. Eight dog teeth were identified and these belonged to a large adult sheepdog.
The proximal portion of a metacarpus of red deer was also identified and this provided
the only evidence for hunting wild game at the site. The remainder of the assemblage
consisted of 39 fragments of long bones from large-sized animals, probably cattle, and 45
fragments from medium-sized animals, probably sheep or pig.




                                                                                                                           23
iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237                         Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report




                  In view of the small size of the assemblage, little of interpretative value can be ob-
              tained from an examination of the animal bones from Caherweelder 7. The bulk of the
              identified bone came from domestic animals and the presence of teeth and skull frag-
              ments indicates that animals were slaughtered locally and were not brought to the site in
              the form of prepared joints. The data on pig seem to indicate that these animals were of
              more significance at Caherweelder 7 than at any of the other excavated sites on the N18
              Oranmore-Gort route. The red deer bone came from the post-cranial skeleton.




24

Contenu connexe

Similaire à Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 7 , Co. Galway (Ireland)

Archaeological Report - Moyveela 3, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 3, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Moyveela 3, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 3, Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Caherdrinny 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherdrinny 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Caherdrinny 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherdrinny 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Coldwood/Foorkill , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Coldwood/Foorkill , Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Coldwood/Foorkill , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Coldwood/Foorkill , Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 3 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 3 , Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 3 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 3 , Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 2 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 2 , Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 2 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 2 , Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Ballynamona 2, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballynamona 2, Co. Cork (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Ballynamona 2, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballynamona 2, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 5 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 5 , Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 5 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 5 , Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 3, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 3, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Greenhills 3, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 3, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Cullenagh More, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Cullenagh More, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Cullenagh More, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Cullenagh More, Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Moyveela 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Glentalucky, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Glentalucky, Co. Cork (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Glentalucky, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Glentalucky, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Greenhills 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Derrybane 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Derrybane 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Derrybane 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Derrybane 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Moyveela 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Drumharsna North, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Drumharsna North, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Drumharsna North, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Drumharsna North, Co. Galway (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 5, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 5, Co. Cork (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 5, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 5, Co. Cork (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Ballinilaun 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballinilaun 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)  Archaeological Report - Ballinilaun 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballinilaun 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland) John Tierney
 

Similaire à Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 7 , Co. Galway (Ireland) (20)

Archaeological Report - Moyveela 3, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 3, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Moyveela 3, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 3, Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Caherdrinny 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherdrinny 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Caherdrinny 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherdrinny 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Coldwood/Foorkill , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Coldwood/Foorkill , Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Coldwood/Foorkill , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Coldwood/Foorkill , Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 3 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 3 , Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 3 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 3 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 2 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 2 , Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 2 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 2 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Ballynamona 2, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballynamona 2, Co. Cork (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Ballynamona 2, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballynamona 2, Co. Cork (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 5 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 5 , Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 5 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 5 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Roevehagh 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 3, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 3, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Greenhills 3, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 3, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Cullenagh More, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Cullenagh More, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Cullenagh More, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Cullenagh More, Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Moyveela 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 1, Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Glentalucky, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Glentalucky, Co. Cork (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Glentalucky, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Glentalucky, Co. Cork (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Greenhills 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Greenhills 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Derrybane 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Derrybane 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Derrybane 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Derrybane 1, Co. Tipperary (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Moyveela 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Moyveela 2, Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Drumharsna North, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Drumharsna North, Co. Galway (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Drumharsna North, Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Drumharsna North, Co. Galway (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 5, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 5, Co. Cork (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 5, Co. Cork (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 5, Co. Cork (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Ballinilaun 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballinilaun 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)  Archaeological Report - Ballinilaun 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Ballinilaun 1 , Co. Galway (Ireland)
 

Plus de John Tierney

The Historic Graves Project
The Historic Graves ProjectThe Historic Graves Project
The Historic Graves ProjectJohn Tierney
 
Bardic school slides_oct2016_short
Bardic school slides_oct2016_shortBardic school slides_oct2016_short
Bardic school slides_oct2016_shortJohn Tierney
 
An Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration Project
An Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration ProjectAn Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration Project
An Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration ProjectJohn Tierney
 
Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882
Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882
Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882John Tierney
 
From headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in Ireland
From headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in IrelandFrom headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in Ireland
From headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in IrelandJohn Tierney
 
Archaeological report - Tobarjarleth, Tuam, Co. Galway
Archaeological report - Tobarjarleth, Tuam, Co. GalwayArchaeological report - Tobarjarleth, Tuam, Co. Galway
Archaeological report - Tobarjarleth, Tuam, Co. GalwayJohn Tierney
 
Ardmore Names and Places 2013
Ardmore Names and Places 2013Ardmore Names and Places 2013
Ardmore Names and Places 2013John Tierney
 
Heritage week 2013 Historic Graves in Laois
Heritage week 2013 Historic Graves in LaoisHeritage week 2013 Historic Graves in Laois
Heritage week 2013 Historic Graves in LaoisJohn Tierney
 
Headstones as Postcards from the Past
Headstones as Postcards from the PastHeadstones as Postcards from the Past
Headstones as Postcards from the PastJohn Tierney
 
Community Genealogy in Ireland - Historic Graves
Community Genealogy in Ireland - Historic GravesCommunity Genealogy in Ireland - Historic Graves
Community Genealogy in Ireland - Historic GravesJohn Tierney
 
Secad Historic Graves & Ring of Cork
Secad Historic Graves & Ring of CorkSecad Historic Graves & Ring of Cork
Secad Historic Graves & Ring of CorkJohn Tierney
 
Archaeological Excavation Report - Sawpit Lane, Tuam, Co. Galway
Archaeological Excavation Report - Sawpit Lane, Tuam, Co. GalwayArchaeological Excavation Report - Sawpit Lane, Tuam, Co. Galway
Archaeological Excavation Report - Sawpit Lane, Tuam, Co. GalwayJohn Tierney
 
Archaeological report Adare Castle, Co. Limerick
Archaeological report   Adare Castle, Co. LimerickArchaeological report   Adare Castle, Co. Limerick
Archaeological report Adare Castle, Co. LimerickJohn Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. Wexford
Archaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. WexfordArchaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. Wexford
Archaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. WexfordJohn Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...
Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...
Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Knockhouse Lower, Co. Waterford (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Knockhouse Lower, Co. Waterford (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Knockhouse Lower, Co. Waterford (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Knockhouse Lower, Co. Waterford (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - Stratham’s Garage, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, Co. Kilk...
Archaeological Report - Stratham’s Garage, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, Co. Kilk...Archaeological Report - Stratham’s Garage, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, Co. Kilk...
Archaeological Report - Stratham’s Garage, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, Co. Kilk...John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - 26 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - 26 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)Archaeological Report - 26 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - 26 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)John Tierney
 
Archaeological Report - 11 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - 11 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)Archaeological Report - 11 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - 11 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)John Tierney
 

Plus de John Tierney (20)

The Historic Graves Project
The Historic Graves ProjectThe Historic Graves Project
The Historic Graves Project
 
Bardic school slides_oct2016_short
Bardic school slides_oct2016_shortBardic school slides_oct2016_short
Bardic school slides_oct2016_short
 
An Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration Project
An Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration ProjectAn Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration Project
An Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration Project
 
Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882
Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882
Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882
 
From headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in Ireland
From headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in IrelandFrom headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in Ireland
From headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in Ireland
 
Archaeological report - Tobarjarleth, Tuam, Co. Galway
Archaeological report - Tobarjarleth, Tuam, Co. GalwayArchaeological report - Tobarjarleth, Tuam, Co. Galway
Archaeological report - Tobarjarleth, Tuam, Co. Galway
 
Ardmore Names and Places 2013
Ardmore Names and Places 2013Ardmore Names and Places 2013
Ardmore Names and Places 2013
 
Heritage week 2013 Historic Graves in Laois
Heritage week 2013 Historic Graves in LaoisHeritage week 2013 Historic Graves in Laois
Heritage week 2013 Historic Graves in Laois
 
Headstones as Postcards from the Past
Headstones as Postcards from the PastHeadstones as Postcards from the Past
Headstones as Postcards from the Past
 
Community Genealogy in Ireland - Historic Graves
Community Genealogy in Ireland - Historic GravesCommunity Genealogy in Ireland - Historic Graves
Community Genealogy in Ireland - Historic Graves
 
Secad Historic Graves & Ring of Cork
Secad Historic Graves & Ring of CorkSecad Historic Graves & Ring of Cork
Secad Historic Graves & Ring of Cork
 
Archaeological Excavation Report - Sawpit Lane, Tuam, Co. Galway
Archaeological Excavation Report - Sawpit Lane, Tuam, Co. GalwayArchaeological Excavation Report - Sawpit Lane, Tuam, Co. Galway
Archaeological Excavation Report - Sawpit Lane, Tuam, Co. Galway
 
Archaeological report Adare Castle, Co. Limerick
Archaeological report   Adare Castle, Co. LimerickArchaeological report   Adare Castle, Co. Limerick
Archaeological report Adare Castle, Co. Limerick
 
Archaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. Wexford
Archaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. WexfordArchaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. Wexford
Archaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. Wexford
 
Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...
Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...
Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...
 
Archaeological Report - Knockhouse Lower, Co. Waterford (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Knockhouse Lower, Co. Waterford (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Knockhouse Lower, Co. Waterford (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Knockhouse Lower, Co. Waterford (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (Ireland)Archaeological Report - Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - Stratham’s Garage, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, Co. Kilk...
Archaeological Report - Stratham’s Garage, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, Co. Kilk...Archaeological Report - Stratham’s Garage, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, Co. Kilk...
Archaeological Report - Stratham’s Garage, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, Co. Kilk...
 
Archaeological Report - 26 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - 26 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)Archaeological Report - 26 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - 26 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)
 
Archaeological Report - 11 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - 11 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)Archaeological Report - 11 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)
Archaeological Report - 11 Patricks St, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (Ireland)
 

Dernier

Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.raviapr7
 
How to Make a Field read-only in Odoo 17
How to Make a Field read-only in Odoo 17How to Make a Field read-only in Odoo 17
How to Make a Field read-only in Odoo 17Celine George
 
AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptxiammrhaywood
 
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.EnglishCEIPdeSigeiro
 
How to Solve Singleton Error in the Odoo 17
How to Solve Singleton Error in the  Odoo 17How to Solve Singleton Error in the  Odoo 17
How to Solve Singleton Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
 
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptxPatterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptxMYDA ANGELICA SUAN
 
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdfHED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdfMohonDas
 
How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17
How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17
How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17Celine George
 
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapitolTechU
 
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxPrescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxraviapr7
 
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptxEducation and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptxraviapr7
 
Philosophy of Education and Educational Philosophy
Philosophy of Education  and Educational PhilosophyPhilosophy of Education  and Educational Philosophy
Philosophy of Education and Educational PhilosophyShuvankar Madhu
 
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxClinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxraviapr7
 
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsThe Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsEugene Lysak
 
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxIn - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxAditiChauhan701637
 
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRADUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRATanmoy Mishra
 
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a Paragraph
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a ParagraphPresentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a Paragraph
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a ParagraphNetziValdelomar1
 

Dernier (20)

Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
 
Prelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quiz
Prelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quizPrelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quiz
Prelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quiz
 
How to Make a Field read-only in Odoo 17
How to Make a Field read-only in Odoo 17How to Make a Field read-only in Odoo 17
How to Make a Field read-only in Odoo 17
 
AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptx
 
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
 
How to Solve Singleton Error in the Odoo 17
How to Solve Singleton Error in the  Odoo 17How to Solve Singleton Error in the  Odoo 17
How to Solve Singleton Error in the Odoo 17
 
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptxPatterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
 
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdfHED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
 
How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17
How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17
How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17
 
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
 
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxPrescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
 
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptxEducation and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
 
Personal Resilience in Project Management 2 - TV Edit 1a.pdf
Personal Resilience in Project Management 2 - TV Edit 1a.pdfPersonal Resilience in Project Management 2 - TV Edit 1a.pdf
Personal Resilience in Project Management 2 - TV Edit 1a.pdf
 
Philosophy of Education and Educational Philosophy
Philosophy of Education  and Educational PhilosophyPhilosophy of Education  and Educational Philosophy
Philosophy of Education and Educational Philosophy
 
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17
 
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxClinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
 
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsThe Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
 
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxIn - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
 
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRADUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
 
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a Paragraph
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a ParagraphPresentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a Paragraph
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a Paragraph
 

Archaeological Report - Caherweelder 7 , Co. Galway (Ireland)

  • 1. Eachtra Journal Issue 8 [ISSN 2009-2237] Archaeological Excavation Report E3826 - Caherweelder 7, Co. Galway Iron Working Site
  • 2. EACHTRA Archaeological Projects Final Archaeological Excavation Report Caherweelder 7 Co. Galway Iron Working Site Date: October 2010 Client: Galway County Council and National Roads Authority Project: N18 Oranmore to Gort E No: E3826 Excavation Director: Linda Hegarty Written by: Linda Hegarty
  • 4. Final Archaeological Excavation Report Caherweelder 7 Co. Galway Excavation Director Linda Hegarty Written By Linda Hegarty EACHTRA Archaeological Projects CORK GALWAY The Forge, Innishannon, Co. Cork Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway tel: 021 4701616 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: info@eachtra.ie tel: 091 763673 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: galway@eachtra.ie
  • 5. © Eachtra Archaeological Projects 2010 The Forge, Innishannon, Co Cork Set in 12pt Garamond Printed in Ireland
  • 6. Table of Contents Summary���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������iii Acknowledgements�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� iv 1 Introduction ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1 2 Background to the scheme �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1 3 Topography, geology and hydrology ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1 4 Archaeological and historical background ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 5 Site description ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 6 Methodology ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 7 Results of excavation ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 7�1 SmithinghearthorSmeltingfurnace����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 7�2 Disturbedlayers��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 8 Charcoal �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 9 Animal bone ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 10 Lithics ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 11 Metallurgy �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 12 Radiocarbon dates ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 13 Discussion �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13 14 References �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14 Appendix 1 Context register �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 Appendix 3 Groups and subgroups ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 16 � Appendix 4 Stone artefacts ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Appendix 5 Charcoal analysis ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20 Appendix 6 Animal bone report �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������23 i
  • 7. List of Figures Figure 1: Discovery Series Ordnance Survey map showing the route of the new N18 Oranmore to Gort road and the location of all the excavation sites� The excavation site at Caherweelder is highlighted� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2 Figure 2: The route of the new N18 Oranmore to Gort road overlaid on the first edition Ordnance Survey map (Sheet GA113)� The excavation site at Caherweelder is also highlighted� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 Figure 3: The route of the new N18 Oranmore to Gort road overlaid on the 25 inch Ordnance Survey map (Sheet GA113)� The excavation site at Caherweelder is also highlighted� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 Figure 4: The route of the new N18 Oranmore to Gort road overlaid on the Record of Monuments and Places map which is based on second edition Ordnance Survey map (Sheet GA113)� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of the site at Caherweelder 7� ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 List of Plates Plate 1: Work in progress on the excavation���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Plate 2: Postexcavation photograph of the hearth/furnace and earliest charcoal deposit� ���������10 Plate 3: General view of the hearth/furnace� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10 ii
  • 8. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ Summary The excavation of a charcoal-rich layer atop a gravel ridge at Caherweelder revealed an ironworking hearth or furnace which produced two Iron Age dates. A single chert piece, identified as a possible hone stone, was found, and along with a small but varied animal bone assemblage, including cattle, pig, sheep/goat and red deer may represent detritus from a broad time span. Charcoal analysis identified that a range of species were collected for ironworking with alder dominating one lower layer and charcoal from hawthorn/ apple-type dominating a higher layer of the ironworking pit. The two radiocarbon dates acquired for the site revealed dates tightly clustered in the Iron Age period (cal BC 85–80 –cal AD 54–59; cal BC 91–69 – cal AD 36–52). Townland Caherweelder Parish Killeely Barony Kiltartan County Galway Ministerial Order Number A045 E Number E3826 OS Map Sheet GA103 National Grid Reference 144622/216591 Elevation 25 m O.D. Site Type Iron smithing/smelting site iii
  • 9. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report Acknowledgements The excavation director was Linda Hegarty and the site supervisor was Paul Neary. The field crew included Rafal Wolanski, Anna Hellgren, Mikaela Fransson, Patryk Jawor, Myriam Velzquez Diaz, Seamus McGinley. The senior archaeologist was Finn Delaney and the post-excavation manager was Jacinta Kiely. Choryna Kiely, Fillip Debniak and Fiona Greene were involved with the administration of the project. Illustrations are by Ben Blakeman and Maurizio Toscano. Specialist analysis was carried out by Margaret McCarthy, Farina Sternke, Mary Dillon and Tim Young and the 14 Chrono Centre at Queen’s University Belfast. Joseph O’Brien was the resident engineer for consultant engi- neers Hyder Tobin. The project was commissioned by Galway County Council and was funded by the National Roads Authority. The Project Archaeologist was Jerry O’Sullivan. iv
  • 10. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ 1 Introduction This report constitutes the final excavation report on an Iron Age smithing hearth or smelting furnace in the townland of Caherweelder in south Galway (Fig 1). The site was excavated as part of the archaeological excavation programme in advance of construction of the N18 Gort to Oranmore road scheme. The site was discovered during Phase 1 ar- chaeological testing of the new route under Ministerial Directions A045 (E3826). 2 Background to the scheme The N18 Oranmore to Gort (Glenbrack to Rathmorrissey) national road scheme was approved by An Bórd Pleanála on 7 June 2007. The development will consist of approxi- mately 27 km of dual carriageway, and all associated works. The area of archaeological investigations lies within the footprint of the proposed scheme as defined by the Com- pulsory Purchase Order (CPO) published by Galway County Council on 1 August 2006. Eachtra Archaeological Projects was commissioned by Galway County Council and the National Roads Authority to undertake Phase 1 archaeological testing and Phase 2 exca- vation of sites directly affected by the proposed development. 3 Topography, geology and hydrology The underlying geology in the surrounding area is Carboniferous limestone of the Bur- ren and Tubber formations bordered by Namurian shales and sandstones to the west, in Co. Clare, and Devonian old red sandstone to the east, in the Slieve Aughty uplands. Glacial till overlies the bedrock to varying depths (0–5 m) and the soils derived from the till are generally deep, well-drained brown earths. The topsoils are characteristically deep and dry and, enriched by the limestone parent material, support moderately good grass pastures. There are boulder fields and expanses of bedrock exposure typical of karst limestone country. Caherweelder 7 is located in a region of relatively good soil variability. In an area of 1 sq km around this townland there is a prevalence of deep, well-drained mineral soil, with a relatively small percentage of shallow, well-drained soil (16.4%) and deep, poorly- drained mineral soil (about 4%). Turloughs and swallow-holes are features of areas with an underlying limestone bed- rock which enables the groundwater and water table to produce sometimes perplexing drainage systems. A turlough is shown on the mid-1800s first edition Ordnance Survey map of the area directly to the south of the excavation site (Fig 3). The turlough appears to be fed by a spring marked as ‘Toberawoneen pool’. Water features appear to be a char- acteristic of the surrounding landscape as a well marked as ‘William Connolly’s well’ is shown to the east of the turlough and to the south another small well is marked ‘Peter’s well’. A small spring to the south of the townland is marked as ‘Pollbaun’. The second 1
  • 11. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report 135000 142500 150000 Derrydonnell More E3867 Coldwood 225600 225600 E3887 Moyveela 3 Moyveela 2 E3907 E3884 Moyveela 1 Ballinillaun 2 E3883 E3886 Ballinillaun 1 E3888 Lavally E3869 Roevehagh 2 E4012 Roevehagh 1 E3885 Caherweelder 7 Caherweelder 6 E3826 E3871 Caherweelder 5 Caherweelder 4 E3866 E3708 Caherweelder 3 Caherweelder 2 E3889 E3890 Caherweelder 1 E3880 214400 214400 Owenbristy E3770 Drumharsna North E3868 Drumharsna South E3872 Cullenagh More E3881 Ballyglass West E3870 Caherweelder 7 203200 203200 ¢ 135000 142500 150000 0 5 10 CPO line Excavation Areas Figure 1: Discovery Series Ordnance Survey map showing the route of the new N18 Oranmore to Gort road and the Kilometres location of all the excavation sites� The excavation site at Caherweelder is highlighted� 2
  • 12. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ 144000 145200 RINN (ED KILLEELY) 217200 217200 BALLYNASTAIG (DUNKELLIN BY) BALLYNABUCKY (DUNKELLIN BY) CAHERPEAK EAST CAHERWEELDER KILTIERNAN EAST Caherweelder 7 215800 215800 KILTIERNAN EAST CARANAVOODAUN ¢ 144000 145200 0 0.25 0.5 CPO line Excavation Areas Kilometres Figure 2: The route of the new N18 Oranmore to Gort road overlaid on the first edition Ordnance Survey map (Sheet GA113)� The excavation site at Caherweelder is also highlighted� 3
  • 13. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report edition six-inch and 25-inch Ordnance Survey maps show a large drain running east from the site of ‘Connolly’s Well’. The drain was probably inserted to drain the turlough and the water originating from ‘Toberawoneen Pool’. 4 Archaeological and historical background The townland name Caherweelder derives from the Irish Cathair Mhaoilir. The first part of the placename is easily resolved as stemming from caher or a ‘stone fort’ and the first edition Ordnance Survey map illustrates and names a stone fort as ‘Caherweelder’ at the centre of the townland. The second part of the placename Maoilir is less transparent. It could refer to a family name such as ‘Mulder’ which would translate as ‘Mulder’s stone fort’. Maoil in Irish means to overflow and could be related to the turlough at the centre of the townland. Another possibility is that it derives from Maethail meaning ‘soft land’ which would be equally apt or Maol meaning bald, as in bald/dilapidated structure (roof- less), land,or even bald (hornless) cattle (Joyce 1913, Vol I, 395). We know very little of Irish Iron Age settlement and burial outside the major com- plexes of royal ritual sites and a small number of burial sites that may be Iron Age in date. Deficiencies in our knowledge of the settlements and habitations of ordinary people are so marked that Raftery referred to the majority of the population as the ‘invisible people’ (1994, 112). The majority of the evidence for the Iron Age period consists of finds of La Tène decorated metalwork and some pieces of stone sculpture. Examples of La Tène ar- tefacts/monuments from east Galway include the Turoe Stone located close to Loughrea and a Late La Tène metal artefact found at Rahally hillfort. A preliminary radiocarbon date from Rahally indicates a date of cal 900 BC. (Mullins in progress). Iron Age radio- carbon dates were obtained from excavations of pre-enclosure remains at an enclosure site at Loughbown 2, also excavated along the route of the new N6 Galway to Ballinasloe road (Contract 4). However, medieval dates were also obtained from Loughbown 2 and the exact nature of occupation at the site during the Iron Age is uncertain. A second-century BC Iron Age burial ring ditch was excavated at Deerpark, 10 km to the north-east of Caherweelder (Wilkins et al 2007). Barrows are burial monuments of the Bronze Age and Iron Age, which usually consist of a circular central area, which may be flat or slightly dished (a ring ditch), or domed (a ring barrow), and which is enclosed by a ditch and occasionally by an external bank. The distribution map of recorded prehistoric monuments close to the road scheme reveals two concentrations of ring barrows with seemingly corresponding concentrations of burnt mounds in close proximity. There is a concentration of ring barrows around the townland of Derrydonnell North (Fig 5) and a concentration of burnt mounds to the east of this located to the south and south-west of Atherny. There is also a concentration of ring barrows located to the south of Craughwell (Fig 5). This is known as the Dunkellin barrow group and has been studied by McCaffrey (1955). 4
  • 14. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ 143880 144960 217000 217000 216000 216000 Caherweelder 7 ¢ 143880 144960 0 0.25 0.5 CPO line Excavation Areas Kilometres Figure 3: The route of the new N18 Oranmore to Gort road overlaid on the 25 inch Ordnance Survey map (Sheet GA113)� The excavation site at Caherweelder is also highlighted� 5
  • 15. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report 144070 145100 217040 217040 216000 216000 Caherweelder 7 ¢ 144070 145100 FULACHT FIADH RINGFORT - CASHEL WELL CPO LINE 0 0.25 0.5 EARTHWORK RINGFORT - RATH HOLY WELL Kilometres EXCAVATION AREA SOUTERRAIN SETTLEMENT CLUSTER Figure 4: The route of the new N18 Oranmore to Gort road overlaid on the Record of Monuments and Places map which is based on second edition Ordnance Survey map (Sheet GA113)� 6
  • 16. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ 5 Site description The site is located in Caherweelder townland in the Barony of Kiltartan, Co. Galway, at NGR 144622/216591 and 25 m OD. The hearth/furnace was situated on a level plateau, on top of a gravel ridge. A gravel extraction pit, a cattle crush and tertiary road are located to the immediate north-west. 6 Methodology An area measuring 605 sq m was stripped of topsoil by machine under supervision to re- veal the extent of the archaeological deposits. The site was then subjected to an intensive surface clean by hand. The low mound of charcoal-rich sediment was divided into four quadrants by baulks running approximately east to west and north to south. The mound was fully excavated by hand and recorded using the single-context recording system with plans and sections being produced at a scale of 1:20 or 1:10 as appropriate. A complete photographic record was maintained throughout the excavation. The soil samples taken during the excavation were sieved and the resultant flots were examined by Mary Dillon for plant remains and charcoal analysis. Two charcoal samples were sent for radiocarbon dating to Queen’s University in Belfast. Slag from the hearth was examined by Tim Young. 7 Results of excavation 7.1 Smithing hearth or Smelting furnace A large, sub-circular, pit (C.8) measuring 1.9 m in length by 1.35 m in width by 0.35 m deep was found following the removal of a charcoal-rich layer. The main fill (C.7) com- prised a mid brownish black clay silt and a medium density of stone inclusions. It had a depth of 0.35 m. A lower fill (C.11) was a soft black charcoal-rich layer, dominated by alder, with small pieces of burnt clay. A basal fill (C.10) was friable mid yellowish white residue which measured 0.50 m by 0.10 m and had a maximum depth of 0.25 m. This was interpreted as an ashy deposit during the excavation and the absence of charcoal from this sample indicates it could be a non-wood ash. A side fill (C.9) measured 0.38 m by 0.18 m and was comprised of baked clay and frag- ments of iron slag and was formed due to the absence of a tuyére in the smithing hearth. 7.2 Disturbed layers A large layer of loose, dark brown sand (C.4) covered an area measuring 7.5 m north-east – south-west x 6.25 m x 0.20 m depth. This layer overlay a grey/black stony sand layer 7
  • 17. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report Plate 1: Work in progress on the excavation (C.5) which measured 4 m north-east –south-west by 2.5 m x 0.5 m depth. The loose sandy layers appear to have been mixed by tree root activity. 8 Charcoal In all, 60 fragments of charcoal were analysed from two samples. The samples came from the hearth/furnace (C.7, C.11). Charcoal was frequent in two of the samples, and absent from a third (C. 10) which was described as ash-like during excavation. The most common wood types identified were Pomoideae (hawthorn, apple, pear, mountain ash), hazel and alder. In all, eight wood types were identified. Both layers which contained charcoal had different proportions of species present with Pomoideae apparently dominating in the upper fill (C.7) and alder in the lower fill. Most of the trees present are typical of scrubland although the alder probably grew on the edges of the ad- jacent turlough. The layer dominated by Pomoideae is interesting as hawthorn and apple both produce good heat when burned (Anon 1999) and appear to have been deliberately selected for the ironworking fire. 8
  • 18. 144615 144632 ± 216601 216601 Caherweelder 7-e3826 4 8 216590 216590 0 5m 144615 144632 Figure 5: Post-excavation plan of the site at Caherweelder 7� http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ 9
  • 19. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report Plate 2: Postexcavation photograph of the hearth/furnace and earliest charcoal deposit� Plate 3: General view of the hearth/furnace� 10
  • 20. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ 9 Animal bone The animal bone recovered from the site was a small, but varied assemblage, including pig, cow, horse, sheep/goat, dog and red deer (Appendix 7). All of the bone was found in the charcoal-rich layer (C.4) which covered much of the site and this layer had such a loose, mixed, composition that it is possible that the animal bones were deposited over a very wide period of time. The first edition Ordnance Survey map shows the area to have been covered by scrubland in the mid-nineteenth century which could have caused a high degree of bioturbation resulting in the mixing of archaeological and modern bones. Alternatively, the bones may be primary deposits disturbed by later bioturbation but with little contamination. 10 Lithics A single piece of worked chert was found in the spoil heap during the excavation and has been identified by Dr Farina Sternke. Allied with the large amount of potentially modern animal bone on this site we cannot be sure how old chert piece. It could, however, also be Iron Age in provenance and related to the ironworking process. 11 Metallurgy The sieve retents from the pit fills contain a modest quantity of flow slags. These would be indicative of iron smelting in a slagpit furnace. The pit cut is much larger than is normal for a slagpit furnace (typically they lie in the 28–56 cm diameter range). The in situ slag shows a substantial concavity lined with a thin slag crust. Such hollows may be eroded by slag interacting with the wall of the hearth/furnace immediately below the blowhole. The structure therefore shows rather conflicting features. The structural aspect, in- cluding the apparent large diameter and the eroded wall of the structure by slag interac- tion reaching close to its base, is suggestive of this structure being a smithing hearth. The residues with the flll of the structure are, however, clearly from iron smelting. The structure might either, therefore, (a) be a smithing hearth, with the former po- sition of the blowhole indicated by the in situ slag mass, which has smelting residues dumped into it after it was abandoned, or (b) the basal pit of a smelting furnace, with an unusually deep level of interaction between slag and wall below the blowhole, and which has probably been widened by erosion after its use (or burnt materials outside the cut were removed during excavation). 11
  • 21. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report 12 Radiocarbon dates Radiocarbon analysis was carried out by the 14 Chrono Centre in Queen’s University Belfast. Dates were calibrated using Calib Rev5.0.2 (©1986–2005 M.Stuiver P.J. Re- imer) and in conjunction with Stuiver Reimer 1993 and Reimer et al. 2004. Dates were obtained from an upper fill and a lower charcoal-rich layer of the smith- ing hearth. Both dates correspond to the Iron Age period. A range of dates from similar ironworking sites is also presented below. Lab. Code Context Sample Material Years BP δ 13 C 1 sigma 2 sigma Period calibrated calibrated BC BC UB-11284 7 6 Hazel 2009+/-25 cal BC Iron Age 85–80 and 54-cal AD 59 UB-11285 11 7 Hazel 2021+/-23 cal BC Iron Age 91–69 and 60-cal AD 32 and cal AD 36–52 Site Name C14 Dates County 2 sigma Tonybaun 477 BC – 25 AD Mayo Newrath, Co. Kilkenny 397 – 312 BC Kilkenny Curraheen 1 375 – 185 BC Cork Transtown, N8 (oak) 364–349 BC, 313–208 Cork BC Lisnagar Demesne 1 360 BC - 60 AD, Cork (oak) Kilrussane, N8 (oak) 199–60 BC Cork Caherweelder 7 91 BC – AD 32 Galway 12
  • 22. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ 13 Discussion Caherweelder is one of the archaeologically richest townlands encountered on this project. The road here was designed to avoid known archaeological sites but it subsequently en- countered a concentration of Bronze Age burnt mounds, probably peripheral to a core settlement. A cluster of early medieval sites, approximately 500 m to the north-east on the higher, drier ground perhaps indicating the better ground for settlement. It is hypothesized that the main factor affecting the location of the newfound sites in Caherweelder was the proximity to fuel. Both burnt mounds and this Iron Age iron- working site have high fuel requirements. The charcoal identifications from all sites in Caherweelder indicate the presence of a mixed deciduous scrub cover, involving a mosaic of species including hazel and willow with ash and other species present. Repeated cutting of the woodland for fuel would have resulted in adventitious coppicing. Iron Age metalworking sites (Becker et al. 2008, 35) have been found throughout most of Ireland and this site extends the activity into south Galway. We have no Iron Age settlement associated with the site but the richness of the Bronze Age archaeology which preceded it, and the early medieval sites to the west and north, which followed it, indicate that there may have been continuous occupation in the Caherweelder area from the pre- historic into the early historic period. 13
  • 23. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report 14 References Anon 1999 The burning properties of wood. www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/ facts/pdfs/ fs315001.pdf Becker, K, Ó Néill, J, and Flynn, L 2008 Iron Age Ireland: Finding an invisible people. The Heritage Council, Dublin. Joyce, P W 1867–1913 Names of Irish Places, 3 vols. London Dublin. McCaffrey, P 1955 ‘The Dunkellin barrow group’, Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland,Vol. 85 (II), 218–25. Raftery, B. 1994 Pagan Celtic Ireland: the enigma of the Irish Iron Age. London, Thames and Hudson. Waddell, J 2000 The prehistoric archaeology of Ireland. Wordwell Wilkins, B, Bunce, A and Lalonde, S. 2007 Final Report on archaeological investigations at Site E2438, a ring-ditch with cremation deposits in the townland of Deerpark, Co. Galway. (http://www.scribd.com/doc/13400099/ Deerpark-Iron-Age-ringditch-withcremationdeposits) 14
  • 24. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ Appendix 1 Context register Please see attached CD for Context Register. 15
  • 25. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report Appendix 3 Groups and subgroups Natural Deposits – Group 1 Topsoil - C.1 Description A soft dark brown clayey silt with a medium density of pebbles and stones which occured in variety of shapes and sizes. Interpretation This represented the topsoil which had formed across the site. Subsoil –C.2 Description A loose pebbly sand mid grey in colour. A frequent occurrence of various shape of fine and medium pebbles. Moderate to occasional occurrence of sub-angular coarse pebbles was also noted. Interpretation This was the underlying subsoil of the site. Mound- Group 2 Layer- C.4 Description The layer consisted of loose dark brown to black stony clayey sand (C.4). This deposit measured 7.5 m north-east to south-west, 6.25 m north-west to south-east and varied in depth between 0.1 m and 0.2 m. Interpretation Probably related to the adjacent metal working pit cut C.8 and may be discarded residue from successive fires. Layer- C.5 Description This deposit was a loose grey/black stony, clayey sand. This deposit measured c.4 m north- east to south-west, 2.5 m north-west to south-east and 0.5 m maximum depth Interpretation 16
  • 26. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ Probably related to the adjacent metal working pit cut C.8 and may be discarded residue from successive fires. Subgroup 2 Context Number C.6 Description A soft mid black silty sand. This deposit measured c.1.7m north to south, 1.65 m east west and had a maximum depth of 0.22m Interpretation Probably related to the adjacent metal working pit cut C.8 and may be discarded residue from successive fires. Metal working pit Group 3 Pit C.8 filled with C.7, C.9, C.10 and C.11 Description This pit measured 1.9 m in length and 1.35 m in width and was 0.35m deep. The pit was sub circular in plan. The fill C.7 comprised a mid brownish black clayey silt and a me- dium density of stone inclusions. It had a depth of 0.35m. C.9 measured 0.38m by 0.18m and was described as iron slag. C10 was friable mid yellowish white residue which meas- ured 0.50m by 0.10m and had a maximum depth of 0.25m. C.11 was a soft black charcoal layer with occasional occurrence of flecks and small pieces of burnt clay. Interpretation The pit (C.8) may be a conjoined bowl furnace and waste pit. The basal layers consisted of a charcoal lens (C.11) and possible ash (C.10). Above these layers was a solid lump of slag (C.9) and overlying this was the main pit fill (C.7). It appears that this pit was a bowl furnace and any waste material was dumped directly next to it. 17
  • 27. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report Appendix 4 Stone artefacts by Farina Sternke Introduction One lithic find from the archaeological investigations of a possible prehistoric site at Ca- herweelder 7, Co. Galway was presented for analysis (Table 1). The find was associated with a burnt spread which covered a bowl furnace. Thickness (mm) Find Number Length (mm) Width (mm) Sub-Period Reliability Condition Complete Material Retouch Context Cortex Period Type E3826:3:1 3 Chert Hone Rolled No 59 40 9 No No Bronze Medium Stone? Age Table 1 Composition of the Lithic Assemblage from Caherweelder 7 (E3826) Provenance The find was recovered from the spoil heap (C3). Condition The lithic survives in rolled and incomplete condition (see Plate 1). Technology The artefact is a possible hone stone (E3826:3:1). It is smoothened and worn on all its sides and bears macroscopically visible striations on one edge. The possible hone stone meas- ures 59 mm long and 40 mm wide and 9 mm thick (see Figure 1). Plate 1: Worked chert, possible hone stone (find E3826:3:1) 18
  • 28. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ 0 50mm Figure 1: Worked chert, possible hone stone (find E3826:3:1) Dating The artefact is typologically and technologically undiagnostic. Conservation Lithics do not require specific conservation, but should be stored in a dry, stable environ- ment. Preferably, each lithic should be bagged separately and contact with other lithics should be avoided, so as to prevent damage and breakage, in particular edge damage which could later be misinterpreted as retouch. Larger and heavier items are best kept in individual boxes to avoid crushing of smaller assemblage pieces. Conclusion The lithic find from the archaeological excavation at Caherweelder 7, Co. Galway is a possible hone stone made of chert which may date to the Iron Age and may be linked to metalworking activities carried out at the site. Bibliography Inizan, M.-L., M. Reduron-Ballinger, H. Roche and J. Tixier, 1999. Technology and Terminology of Knapped Stone 5. CREP, Nanterre. Woodman, P. C., Finlay, N. and E. Anderson, 2006. The Archaeology of a Collection: The Keiller-Knowles Collection of the National Museum of Ireland. National Museum of Ireland Monograph Series 2. Wordwell, Bray. 19
  • 29. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report Appendix 5 Charcoal analysis By Mary Dillon Introduction This report gives the results of the analysis of charcoal from samples taken during excava- tion at Caherweelder 7 (E3826) in Co. Galway. The excavation found a layer and furnace/ hearth. The samples esamined came from the fills of the hearth. The samples from this site contained charcoal, teeth, bone, slag, tiny flint flakes, hazelnut shell and land mol- luscs. Charcoal was frequent in two of the samples but was absent from one sample. Methodology Bulk soil samples were collected on site and were processed by the Eachtra. All charcoal fragments that measured 2 mm or greater in the transverse section were identified. Each fragment was prepared for microscopic examination by fracturing it by hand and thereby exposing a clean surface along transverse, radial and tangential planes. All three planes were examined at a range of magnifications. For reference literature the Schweingruber (1990) was consulted. The number and weight of fragments were recorded for each wood type. Results In all, 60 fragments of charcoal were analysed from two samples. The third sample (S8 from C10, an ashy deposit) had no charcoal. Hazel was present in the other two samples and this is recommended, and marked as suitable, for submitting for dating as it has a lifespan of just 80 years. In Figs. 1 and 2 percentage frequencies of the various wood types, based on fragment count and dry weight respectively, are shown. The most common wood types based on fragment count were pomoideae (33%), hazel (28%), and alder (22%). Spindle (5%), Prunus (5%), ash (3%), willow/aspen (2%) and oak (2%) were also present (see Fig. 1, Table 1). When the results of percentage weight are taken into account the results change slightly (Fig. 2, Table 2.). The main difference is that alder becomes more popular than hazel. Context Hazel Oak Pomoideae Alder Prunus Ash Willow/aspen Spindle and sample C7, S6 8 19 2 1 C11, S7 9 1 1 13 3 3 Table 1� Charcoal fragments sorted by sample and wood type 20
  • 30. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ Context Hazel Oak Pomoideae Alder Prunus Ash Willow/aspen Spindle and sample C7, S6 0.2 1.3 0.1 0.05 C11, S7 0.6 0.1 0.1 0.9 0.3 0.1 Table 2� Charcoal weight sorted by sample and wood type Discussion The samples came from a possible bowl furnace which seems to have been used to dump waste. Contexts 7 and 10 contained bone, tiny flint flakes, animal teeth, hazel nut shell and slag. The charcoal assembleage Caherweelder 7 is similar to the near-by burnt mound sites Caherweelder 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 (Dillon, 2009a,b,c,d and e) Willow /aspen Spindle Ash 2% 5% 3% Prunus Hazel 5% 28% Alder 22% Oak 2% Pomoideae 33% Fig� 1� Percentage fragment frequency Willow /aspen Spindle 1% 3% Ash Hazel 3% 21% Prunus 8% Oak 3% Alder 24% Pomoideae 37% Fig� 2� Percentage weight 21
  • 31. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report Pomoideae - Sorbus/Crataegus (rowan/whitebeam/hawthorn/crabapple). This char- coal type made up 33% of the assemblage and was the dominant wood type. Woodlands and woodland-related environments are the normal habitats for the various woody plants that may be represented in this charcoal type. An important habitat, especially for haw- thorn (Crataegus), is on the edge of woodlands (cf. Wilmanns and Brun-Hool 1982). Caherweelder 7 is the only Caherweelder burnt mound site where pomoideae is the most common wood type. Corylus (hazel; C. avellana). Hazel accounted for 28% of all charcoal fragments identi- fied. Hazel was widely exploited in both prehistory and historical times for its nutritious nuts and supple rods which were widely used for building. Its coppice-like growth form makes it relatively easy to cut and there are normally substantial quantities of dead wood available near ground level. Pollen analytical studies indicate that hazel was of great im- portance in Ireland for most of the Holocene. It is one of the more frequent native trees growing in south Co. Galway today. Alnus (alder; A. glutinosa). Alnus is represented at 22%. Alder was probably largely con- fined to damp/wet areas. It should be noted, however, that alder wood does not burn well but is commonly found in samples from burnt mound sites (ibid). Spindle (Euonymus Europaeus), Prunus spp. (includes wild cherry (P. avium), bird cher- ry (P. padus) and blackthorn (P. spinosa)), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), willow/aspen (Salix/ Populus) and oak (Quercus) were also present in smaller amounts. Spindle tree is a rarer tree than the others represented here. It’s a small tree that favours the rocky limestone soils of the burren and south Galway. Conclusion The samples from Caherweelder 7 furnace or hearth contained a lot of waste material. Charcoal was frequent in two of the samples, and absent from the third. The most com- mon wood types identified were pomoideae, hazel and alder. In all, eight wood types were identified and these were similar to those from the other Caherweelder sites. References Schweingruber, F.H. 1990. Mircoscopic Wood Anatomy. Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf. Wilmanns O., Brun-Hool J. 1982. Irish Mantel and Saum vegetation. In: J. White (ed.) Studies on Irish vegetation, Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, 167–174 22
  • 32. Caherweelder 7-e3826 http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e3826-caherweelder7-co-galway/ Appendix 6 Animal bone report by Margaret McCarthy The animal bones from Caherweelder 7 were all recovered from the main layer of dark brown to black stony clay (C4) that underlay the topsoil. The bones were generally poorly preserved with high rates of fragmentation and a disproportionate amount of loose teeth, often indicative of poor soil preservation conditions. The post-cranial bone had clearly undergone a considerable erosion of the surface, due to post-depositional taphonomic processes and most fragments were brittle and eroded. Despite this, the samples produced a wide range of identifiable species in comparison to the two burnt mounds excavated in Caherweelder townland as part of the N18 Oranmore-Gort excavations. The distribution of mammals is shown in Table 1. In all, 140 bones were presented for examination and of these 56 were diagnostic to species. There is a certain consistency in the representation of skeletal elements linked presumably to taphonomic processes with high scores for loose teeth and fragments that could only be classified into size groupings. No complete bones were found, so no conclusion could be made concerning the size and sex of the animals present at the site. None of the bones showed definite traces of butchery relating to the dismemberment of the carcass but this is attributed to the poor condition of preservation of the remains. Horse Cow S/G* Pig Red Deer Dog LM* MM* Total C4 2 22 3 20 1 8 39 45 140 S/G* Sheep/Goat LM* Large mammal MM* Medium mammal Table 1: Distribution of mammals Cattle were the dominant species contributing 22 bones out of an identifiable sample of 56 fragments. Skeletal element analysis indicated that loose teeth predominated, ac- counting for 78% of the identified sample. The sample also included three skull frag- ments and a single ulna and vertebra. The age data available showed that all cattle were slaughtered when mature. There was a high proportion of pig bones and in common with cattle, the sample was dominated by loose teeth. Other identifiable pig bones included portions of skull, humerus, tibia, calcaneum and mandible. Epiphyseal fusion evidence from the tibia indicated that the individual had reached two years of age before slaughter. Sheep were represented by two skull fragments and a complete second phalanx from an individual over seven months at slaughter. The analysis of the bones also identified the presence of horse, dog and red deer at the site. The horse sample consisted of two molars from a single adult individual, over four years of age. Eight dog teeth were identified and these belonged to a large adult sheepdog. The proximal portion of a metacarpus of red deer was also identified and this provided the only evidence for hunting wild game at the site. The remainder of the assemblage consisted of 39 fragments of long bones from large-sized animals, probably cattle, and 45 fragments from medium-sized animals, probably sheep or pig. 23
  • 33. iSSUe 8: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 Final arChaeologiCal exCavation report In view of the small size of the assemblage, little of interpretative value can be ob- tained from an examination of the animal bones from Caherweelder 7. The bulk of the identified bone came from domestic animals and the presence of teeth and skull frag- ments indicates that animals were slaughtered locally and were not brought to the site in the form of prepared joints. The data on pig seem to indicate that these animals were of more significance at Caherweelder 7 than at any of the other excavated sites on the N18 Oranmore-Gort route. The red deer bone came from the post-cranial skeleton. 24