Deerpark Iron Age ring‐ditch with cremation deposits

N6 Galway to Ballinasloe Scheme, Contract 2. Final Report on archaeological investigations at Site E2438, a ring‐ditch with cremation deposits in the townland of Deerpark, Co. Galway Date: November 2007 Client: Galway County Council Project code: NGB05 By: Brendon Wilkins, Amy Bunce and Susan Lalonde. Ministerial Direction no: A024 Registration no.: E2438 Director: Brendon Wilkins Chainage: 18380‐18410 NGR: 152286/225265

Headland Archaeology Ltd: N6 Galway to Ballinasloe Scheme, Contract 2, E2438 Final Report

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

2

CONTENTS PAGE 1 Summary 4 2 Introduction 4 3 Site description and location 4 4 Aims and methodology 5 5 Results Phase 1 – Ring‐ditch 5 Phase 2 – Charcoal pit 6 Phase 3 – Natural features 7 6 Human remains by Susan Lalonde 7 7 Discussion 11 8 Archive 13 9 References 14 10 Appendicies


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

3

List of Figures Figure 1 Site Location Figure 2 Register of Monuments and Places extract Figure 3 Site plan Figure 4 Sections of ring‐ditch (1003) Figure 5 Plan & section of charcoal pit (1006) List of Plates Plate 1 West‐facing section of charcoal pit (1006) Plate 2 West‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) and pit (1009) Plate 3 North‐facing section of pit (1009) Plate 4 Post‐excavation of ring‐ditch (1003) Plate 5 Iron Age beads Appendices Appendix 1 Context Register Appendix 2 Finds Register Appendix 3 Sample Register Appendix 4 Photographic Register Appendix 5 Drawing Register Appendix 6 Osteological data Appendix 7 Radiocarbon results Appendix 8 Soil Sample Assessment by Susan Lyons Appendix 9 Site Matrix


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

4

1 Summary Pre‐construction testing under Ministerial Direction number A024/E2438 on the site in 2006 identified a penannular shaped ditch with an associated charcoal filled pit. Full archaeological excavation was conducted on the site during 2006. A penannular ring‐ditch some 4 m in diameter was excavated. This had a small gap to the south and contained cremated human remains and three beads. Other excavated features included a charcoal‐rich pit to the east of the penannular ring‐ditch; a small tree bole to the south; and a natural depression to the north. A single piece of chipped chert was recovered from the site but this was not associated with any features. The penannular ring‐ditch, cremated bone and three beads have been dated to the second century BC, and this type of feature is consistent with Iron Age burial practices. 2 Introduction Works are being carried out along the route of the proposed N6 Galway to East of Ballinasloe national road scheme, between the townlands of Doughiska in County Galway and Beagh in County Roscommon. The proposed road will consist of approximately 56 km of dual carriageway, a 7 km link road from Carrowkeel to Loughrea and approximately 23 km of side roads. There will be four grade‐separated junctions, 36 bridges and a toll plaza, located at Cappataggle. The area of proposed archaeological investigations was divided into four contracts, based on four sectors of approximately equal extent. The work described here was undertaken under archaeological investigations Contract 2. Contract 2 covered a stretch of road development of approximately 13.2km length of dual carriageway and 7km of single carriageway, and passed to the south of Athenry and Kiltullagh in a generally east‐west direction. The project was funded by the Irish Government and the European Union under the National Development Plan 2000‐2006. Headland Archaeology Ltd was commissioned by Galway County Council to undertake the works. RPS/MCOS compiled an Environmental Impact Statement of the route in 2004, and an aerial survey was also undertaken. A Geophysical survey was conducted by Archaeophysica in 2004. On the basis of findings from this work Contract 2 investigations commenced in September 2005. 3 Site description and location The site was located approximately 2.7 km south‐east of Athenry at NGR 152286/225265 and chainage 18380 to 18410. The landscape was of gently undulating farmland and the site was situated on relatively flat elevated ground. The western limit of the site was defined by a large stone wall forming the boundary between the townlands of Moyode to the west and Deerpark to the east. 4 Aims and methodology


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

5

The objective of the work was the preservation by record of any archaeological features or deposits in advance of the proposed road’s construction. Topsoil stripping of the site was conducted using a 360° tracked machine fitted with a 1.9 m wide ditching (toothless) bucket under archaeological supervision. A total area of 900 sq m was exposed. The resulting surfaces were cleaned and all potential features investigated by hand. Archaeological contexts were recorded by photograph and on standardised sheets. Plans and sections were drawn at an appropriate scale. Registers are provided in the Appendices. Ordnance Datum levels and feature locations were recorded using Penmap and an EDM. Environmental samples were taken on any deposits suitable for analysis or dating. 5 Results Natural Soil Profile An orange clay (1010) was recorded as a variation of the unmodified natural C horizon subsoil. This was found in irregular linear bands and that possibly the result of glacial ice wedges. Some patches were more than 1 m in depth but most were no more than 0.20 m deep and 0.50 m in diameter. Ring‐ditch The main feature was a penannular ring‐ditch (1003), approximately 4 m in diameter with a 1 m wide gap forming an opening in the south‐west. It was excavated in eight slots and all deposits, including section baulks, were extensively sampled to retrieve all environmental and osteological information. Prior to excavation cremated human bone was clearly visible on the surface of the ring‐ditch fills. This was concentrated in three separate patches, although there was no clear interface between contexts filling (1004) and (1005) filling the ring ditch, and it was not possible to separate deposits during sampling. The ring‐ditch was 0.50 m wide and 0.15 m deep and the sides were sloped at an angle of approximately 40° from the horizontal. The base was 0.30 m wide and relatively flat. The ditch was wider in the north and slightly shallower. The primary deposit (1005) was an orange‐brown silty clay with dark red flecking. It included occasional charcoal and burnt bone. It was 0.10 m deep and 0.50 m wide, and moderately compact. This was similar in composition to the unmodified natural subsoil, indicating that it had been redeposited. The secondary deposit (1004) was of moderately compact black sandy clay with frequent charcoal and burnt bone inclusions. The south‐east terminus of the ring‐ditch (1003) appeared to have been truncated by a tree bole (1009). The interior of the ring‐ditch was thoroughly examined but no other features were located inside. There were no traces of a mound encircled by (1003) or topographical indications of the remnants of a mound or barrow. The presence of a tree at the terminus of the ring gully is likely to have post‐dated the barrow. The date that this tree lived is not clear, but it would have posed an obstacle to later agricultural ploughing. Its presence indicates that the monument was neglected or avoided, but not wilfully damaged during the period that the tree grew. Two radiocarbon dating estimations were returned from the ring gully, with second sigma ranges from (UB 7451) 363‐113 cal BC and (UB 7452) 808‐558 cal BC, and two further dates were obtained from cremated human bone recovered from the fill, also giving second sigma


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

6

ranges of (UB 7486) 362‐111 cal BC and (UB 7485) 345‐45 cal BC. These dates cluster in the second century BC, suggesting that the site represents a plough damaged Iron Age barrow structure. The earlier date (UB 7452) was interpreted as extraneous material incorporated into a later deposit through taphonomic processes. Three beads (E2438:1004/05:001‐003) of a blue, green and amber colour were recovered during the analysis of material from (1003) and are likely grave goods associated with the cremation. They were present within Quadrant A where cremated remains were less concentrated. The beads were in excellent condition, showing no evidence of heat damage. This could be because they were deposited in a pristine condition as part of the secondary burial rites or they could also have been dress items included with the body during primary rites but located within a cooler part of a pyre. The presence of fuel ash slag was observed in deposit (1004), and this indicates that the original pyre reached temperatures high enough to liquefy glass. If these beads were part of the funerary dress of the individual body then it is likely that other similar artefacts could have also been included with the pyre but have not survived. Charcoal pit A charcoal pit (1006) was located 2 m to the east of the ring‐ditch (1003). It was 1.40 m long, 0.80 m wide and 0.30 m deep. The feature was sub‐oval in plan and the sides and the base were irregular but generally flat. The feature was filled by mid brown silty sand (1007) with 50‐60% charcoal that had retained a woody consistency. It was of loose compaction and included occasional large stones. There was little evidence of burning in situ and no evidence that the charcoal pit was a pyre associated with the ring‐gully cremation deposits. It is likely to have been a later agricultural or small scale industrial feature unrelated to other features of its period, it could also be a domestic feature related to short term temporary use of the site. A radiocarbon estimation from Quercus (oak) charcoal recovered from the base of the feature indicates a date range of (UB7450) cal AD 905‐1148, supporting the allocation of this pit as a later feature. Natural features A mid brown silty clay topsoil (1000) covered the entire site. It was 0.15m deep, poorly drained and of loose compaction. Beneath this a light orange‐brown silty clay subsoil was recorded. It was 0.40m in depth and poorly drained, with a loose to moderate compaction. The unmodified natural subsoil, (1002), was glacially derived light grey sandy clay till. It contained frequent inclusions of large stones of up to 0.20m and frequent gravel.A natural depression (1012) was located to the north of the ring‐gully and was filled with silt (1013). A chert scraper (E2438:1001:001) was found within the subsoil adjacent to this feature. The tree bole (1009) cutting the ring‐ditch was 2 m in diameter and 0.50 m deep. The interface between these features was unclear and their stratigraphic relationship could not be determined. Tree bole (1009) was filled by a grey sandy silty clay deposit (1008) of loose to moderate compaction with occasional charcoal flecking. A fragment of cremated bone, resulting from secondary re‐deposition, was recovered from the fill. The tree bole also contained an orange silty clay (1014) of moderate compaction. It had inclusions of charcoal, cremated bone and some stones. A broken and abraded chert blade (E2438:1014:001) was recovered from this deposit. It was identified in the base of the tree bole and contained in what was interpreted as root holes, accounting for a redeposited fragment of cremated bone. A disturbed deposit filled what were interpreted as root holes in the base of the feature and


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

7

also contained the fragment of cremated bone. It was a mixed deposit (1011) 0.50 m in depth and up to 2 m in diameter and included occasional cremated bone fragments and fairly frequent pieces of charcoal. 6 Human remains by Susan Lalonde The site consists of a small curvilinear ring‐ditch of Iron Age date and a charcoal‐rich pit dated to the early medieval period. Cremated human remains were found within the fill of the ditch. The cremation pyre reached a range of temperatures from 300 oC around parts of the body to 1200 oC at the base, causing the creation of silica‐based fuel ash slag. The assemblage itself is small at just under 90 g of material, and likely only represents a partial burial with the full interment or scattering of remains elsewhere. Unfortunately, no demographic or paleopathological information could be retrieved from the remains. Three beads of blue glass, green stone and amber were retrieved during the processing of the cremation contexts. They appear to be unaffected by the heat of the pyre, and were likely situated within a cooler area of the fire. Radiocarbon dating of bone from the gully suggested an Iron Age date for the funerary activity at Deerpark, with a range of 342 – 45 cal BC.

Methodology All contexts containing human remains were 100% sampled and wet sieved. Due to the large amount of material to be processed (670 lt.), and the small amount of bone expected to be retrieved, the samples were processed using the flotation tank rather than a sieve bank. This meant that fragment size could not be fully assessed, however it was estimated that around 90% of the assemblage was in the 2 mm size category. The retent was then dried and sorted, with all relevant finds being removed. These included charcoal, pyre debris, plant remains and small finds.

Following protocol laid down by McKinley (1994a; 2004), and Gevjall (1969), the remains were assessed for:

• weight • degree of fragmentation • skeletal elements • demographic data ‐ sex, age, minimum number of individuals • pathology data • efficiency of cremation

The remains were not from a concentrated cremation burial context, but scattered throughout the ring ditch (1003) and the tree bole at the ditch’s terminus. The majority of material originated from the primary and secondary fill of the ring ditch (1004) and (1005). These contexts were mixed and were sampled together. Therefore, performing the analysis by context was not possible and had to be undertaken by quadrant. The ring‐ditch was split into four quadrants –A, B, C and D – and samples from each of these were analysed together. In this way it was hoped that any differences in deposition would be revealed. Results The Assemblage


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

8

A total of 87.9 g of cremated human bone was retrieved from Deerpark E2438 (Table 1). See Appendix 6 for full osteological data. Quadrant Fill Cut Amount Bone (g)

A 1004 / 1005 1003 6.7g B 1004 / 1005 / 1008 / 1010 1003 4.7g C 1004 / 1005 1003 44g D 1004 / 1005 1003 30 g ‐ 1011 1009 2.4g ‐ 1007 1006 0.1g

Total 87.9g Table 1 Amount of cremated human material retrieved from the ring-ditch (1003) and associated pits (1009 and 1006).

Modern crematoria produce an average of 1625.9 g of material, while archaeological cremation burials tend to weigh between 250 g and 2500 g (Mckinley 1994a). It has been theorised that archaeological cremation burials are often token or ritual deposits, with only the partial remains of a single individual being interred. At around 5% of the expected material from an adult cremation the small amount of material from Deerpark, and its deposition within the curvilinear gully, leads to the conclusion that this too, is a ritual or token deposit of some kind (see 4.4 ‘Funerary practice’)

3.2 Grave Goods & Pyre Debris Three beads (E2438:1004/05:1 ‐3) were recovered from Quadrant A of the ring ditch. The presence of personal ornaments such as these is suggestive of an Iron Age deposit (see 4.4 ‘Funerary practice’). Their inclusion may also provide evidence for fluctuating pyre temperatures (see 4.3 ‘Pyre efficiency’)

Fragments of burnt clay were found in contexts from Quadrant D, and pyre debris, made up of a large amount of charcoal (149.9 g) and fuel ash slag, (2710 g) was recovered from all areas. Pit (1006) contained 3.7 g of charcoal and 145.7 g of burnt fuel ash slag, as well as 0.1 g of burnt bone. Fuel ash slag has been recognized in cremation deposits across Britain and Ireland, and is frequently observed in Bronze Age cremation burials from the Northern Isles of Scotland. First described in the 18th century, it is defined as a general hearth slag that occurs when burning takes place on sandy soils (McKinley 1994a). The subsoil at Deerpark is described as sandy clay, and is therefore silica based, ideal for the creation of fuel ash slag


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

9

0

20

40

60

80

100

% o

f Bur

nt B

one

Unburnt Black Grey/Blue White

Oxidisation Level

100310061009

Figure 4 Percentage of bone from (1003, 1006 and 1009) achieving levels of oxidisation. Oxidsation & Fragmentation The colour of cremated bone is a result of how oxidised the organic component of the material has become, and subsequently provides information on the efficiency of the cremation itself (see 4.3 ‘Pyre efficiency’). Bone blackens or chars at temperatures below 400oC, becomes partly oxidised and a bluish–grey colour at between 400 oC – 800 oC, and only achieves full oxidisation and a white colour throughout at temperatures above 800 oC. Figure 4 demonstrates the percentage of bone from Deerpark in each oxidization category. Also important in the analysis of pyre efficiency is the degree of fragmentation and warping of the cremated bone. Unfortunately, the assemblage from Deerpark had very few recognisable elements, and all fragments were small in size. The maximum size of fragment per context is listed in Table 2. The average fragment size of material from Deerpark is small, below 2 cm in length. Cremated bone is fragmented firstly by the heat of the cremation itself, secondly by the retrieval process from the pyre which may be raked over several times to collect the material, and lastly through the taphonomic process and excavation (McKinley 1994b). There is no evidence for deliberate crushing. Cut Fill Quadrant Max. fragment size (mm) 1003 1004 / 1005 A 21 1003 1004 / 1005 / 1008 / 1010 B 13.3 1003 1004 / 1005 C 28.9 1003 1004 / 1005 D 19.1 1009 1011 ‐ 17.7 1006 1007 ‐ 5.1

Average 17.5mm Table 2 Maximum size (mm) of cremated bone recovered from Deerpark E2438


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

10

Demographic Data The small amount of material recovered from Deerpark precluded the assessment of age or sex from the remains. It is assumed that the remains represent a single individual, although it must be stressed that this is simply as assumption, with no evidence to support or dismiss the theory. Dating Samples from two contexts were provided to Queen’s University, Belfast for radiocarbon dating. The results are presented in Table 3, and indicate that the funerary activity at Deerpark dates to the Iron Age period.

Context Description Lab Number Radiocarbon Date BP

Calibrated range (2 sigma) calendar yrs BC / AD

1004 Cremated human bone from gully (1003)

UB‐7485 2110 +/‐ 33 BC 342 ‐ 45


UB‐7486 2167 +/‐ 35 BC 362 ‐ 111

1007 Charcoal Quercus sp. From pit (1006)

UB‐0745 1017 +/‐ 29 905 – 1148 AD

Table 3 Results of radiocarbon dating of bone and charcoal samples from Deerpark E2438 Interpretation Demographic Data Due to the paucity of remains from Deerpark, it was not possible to apply tests for sex, age or minimum number of individuals. Pathology No pathology was noted in the remains, but this is probably due to the small amount and fragmented nature of the material. Pyre Efficiency Almost 50% of the burnt bone retrieved from Deerpark had the white appearance of fully oxidised bone and had, therefore, been subject to temperatures of above 800 oC for a number of hours. However, a large amount of material had not burned so well, and remained black and charred. This could be due to body position, or factors such as the weather, a lack of fuel or if the body was covered in some way preventing good air flow. An interesting point to note is the condition of the glass bead recovered from the ring ditch. Glass melts at a range of different temperatures, dependent on its exact make‐up, but this is normally around 850oC. The Deerpark beads are in perfect condition, and clearly not heat‐affected in any way. This, together with the information provided from the bone oxidisation, suggests a pyre temperature of between 600 oC to 850oC. However, the presence of fuel ash slag, which forms at 1000 oC – 1200 oC, suggests that temperatures at the base of the pyre were much higher (Figure 3). Ethnographic and historical evidence suggests that a grid basis for pyre construction is the most effective, with the body being placed on top. This ensures good air flow as the centre of the pyre acts like a chimney flue, drawing the flames upwards. The evidence from Deerpark suggests that the base of the pyre was the hottest, achieving a minimum temperature of 1000 oC. The body was likely placed on top of the pyre, where although hot enough to oxidise the majority of bone, certain areas were cooler which resulted


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

11

in the charring of bone and the preservation of the glass beads. It is unfortunate that the remains are so incomplete, as little can be deduced in terms of body position or reasons for this range of temperatures. Funerary Practice The remains from Deerpark represent a partial burial. Archaeological cremation burials can range in weight from 250 g–2500 g, and at just under 90 g, the Deerpark assemblage shows a drastic under‐representation. The fragment size is also very small, with no fragments recognisable to skeletal element. It is possible that the Deerpark assemblage represents the smaller parts of the cremation burial, while the more recognisable fragments were interred elsewhere. There is some suggestion in the literature that fragrant woods were preferred for cremation pyres (McKinley 1994a). Preliminary species identification of the charcoal from the ring ditch reveals that Pomoidaceae spp predominate. Pomoidaceae spp are part of the rose family, and include fruit trees such as apple and pear which are fragrant when burnt, and woods such as hawthorn and rowan, which produce hot fires which burn for long periods of time, making them ideal for use in a cremation pyre (Susan Lyons, pers comm.) Funerary ritual during the Iron Age sees a continuation of some Later Bronze Age practices, such as ring‐barrow and mound burials and partial cremation burials. Ritual grave goods of the Bronze Age are replaced with personal ornaments. Beads, such as those found at Deerpark, are the most common inclusion in funerary contexts, and 25% of all personal ornaments from the Iron Age are found in association with burials. The majority belong to the period between 100 BC and AD 400 (Cooney & Grogan 1999;125). The Deerpark burial – dated to 353 –45 BC , partial in nature and with the inclusion of glass beads, fits the pattern of mortuary behaviour suggested by Cooney & Grogan (ibid) for this period of Irish prehistory. 7 Discussion Only a ring‐ditch and adjacent pit were recorded here although it is possible that any upstanding mounds or banks were severely truncated by later ploughing. There was no evidence of an associated pyre, other cremation burials, or settlement structures within the vicinity of the adjacent CPO. It is possible that the three distinct concentrations of cremated material observed in plan (1004) relate to three separate depositions of cremated material. This could be a result of separate depositional events, an indication of structured deposition or more likely the result of taphonomic processes. A key research question for Iron Age burial practices in Ireland has been whether the absence of evidence for mortuary remains is really evidence of absence or just a product of lack of excavation at appropriate sites. The scarcity of evidence for Iron Age burial rites may be a reflection of only a small proportion of the population being accorded formal burial, with less archaeologically visible practices such as excarnation being used for the majority (Raftery 1994). Of the small proportion of mortuary behaviour we do have evidence for, at least six different burial customs have been recognised, with both cremation and unburnt burials deposited within ring barrow, ring bank or ring ditch (Waddell 2000: 366). Ring barrows are circular mounds of earth surrounded by a ditch with an external bank (O’Kelly 1989). The mounds are usually quite low and in some cases the external bank appears to enclose a flat area. Classification is difficult as a result of later erosion and


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

12

distribution of these monuments is problematic. The interior of the ring gully at Deerpark was thoroughly examined but no other features were located inside. There were no traces of a mound encircled by the ditch or topographical indications of the remnants of a mound or barrow. Similar cremation structures to Deerpark have also been excavated in Galway dating to the Iron Age (Waddell 2000: 367), suggesting that an original superstructure of up‐cast mound material may have been eroded by plough damage. Two previously recorded sites in Co. Galway were similar to Deerpark in terms of the character, deposition of cremated remains and associated artefacts. An annular ditch 15m in diameter was excavated in the townland of Grannagh (Waddell 2000: 367). This included a deposit of cremated remains and a bead of green glass. A smaller ring barrow was excavated at Oran Beg, 10 km from Deerpark, measuring 11 m in diameter (Rynne 1970). A token deposit of human bone was identified in the centre of the mound and a concentrated deposit of cremated material was recorded in the north‐eastern quadrant of the ditch. Eighty glass beads were also recovered from the mound and ditch; these were predominantly blue and yellow and had fused together in the cremation pyre. Three beads of a blue (glass), green (stone) and amber (amber/paste) colour were recovered during the analysis of material from Deerpark and are likely to have been dress items associated with the cremation. They were present within Quadrant A of the gully where cremated remains were less concentrated. The beads were in excellent condition, showing no evidence of heat damage. This could be because they were deposited in a pristine condition as part of the secondary burial rites or they could also have been dress items included with the body during primary rites but located within a cooler part of a pyre. The presence of fuel ash slag was observed in the gully fill and this indicates that the original pyre reached temperatures high enough to liquefy glass. If these beads were part of the funerary dress of the individual body then it is likely that other similar artefacts could have also been included with the pyre but have not survived. 8 Archive The site archive is comprised of the following materials:

Item Quantities Context sheets 11 Sample sheets 24 Registers 5 Photos 24 Plans 2 Sections 18 The archive material is contained within one box. Storage of the archive in a suitable format and location is required in order to provide for any future archaeological research. The archive is currently stored in the offices of Headland Archaeology, Unit 1, Wallingstown Business Park, Little Island, Cork. It is proposed that following completion of post‐excavation the archive is deposited with Galway County Council Archives.


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

13

9 References Bradley, R. 2002. The Past in Prehistoric Societies. London and New York: Routledge. Cooney, G. and Eogan, G. 1994. Irish Prehistory: a social perspective. Dublin: Wordwell. Gevjall, N 1969 ‘Cremations’ In Brothwell, D & Higgs, E (Eds) Science in Archaeology 2nd Ed.

Thames and Hudson: London Harbison, P. 1988. Pre‐Christian Ireland. From the First Settlers to the Early Celts. London: Thames and Hudson. McKinley, J I 1994a the Anglo‐Saxon Cemetery at Spong Hill, North Eltham Part VII: The Cremations East Anglian Archaeology Report No 69 Field Archaeology Division Norfolk Museum Services: Dereham McKinley, J I 1994b ‘Bone fragment size in British cremation burials and its implications for pyre technology and ritual’ Journal of Archaeological Science 21 339‐342 McKinley, J I 2004 ‘Compiling a skeletal inventory: cremated human bone’ In M. Brickley and J.I. McKinley (Eds) Guidelines to the Standards for Recording Human Remains BABAO: Southampton OʹKelly, M. J. 1989. Early Ireland. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Raftery, B. 1994. Pagan Celtic Ireland. London: Thames and Hudson. Rynne, E. 1970. Oran Beg Ring Barrow, in T. G. Delaney (ed.) Excavations 1970. 10. Belfast. Waddell, J 1990 The Bronze Age Burials of Ireland Galway University Press: Galway Waddell, J. 2000. The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Bray: Wordwell.

Athenry

Galway

Figure 1 - N6 Galway to Ballinasloe Scheme, Co. Galway, Contract 2: Deerpark E2438Location of excavation area

E2438

Reproduced from 2002 Ordnance Survey of Ireland 1:50,000 Discovery Series no 46,C Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Government of Ireland. Licence No. EN 0008105

= CPO

N

0 100 m

C Ordnance Survey of Ireland and Government of Ireland. Licence No. EN 0008105

Figure 2 - N6 Galway to Ballinasloe Scheme, Co. Galway, Contract 2: Deerpark E2438 Location of excavation area and RMP extract

N

0 250 m

= CPO

= Excavated Area

Reproduced from 1933 Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Second Edition, Six Inch to One Mile map, Galway Sheet 84 and 96C Ordnance Survey of Ireland and Government of Ireland. Licence No. EN 0008105

Figure 3 - N6 Galway to Ballinasloe Scheme, Co. Galway, Contract 2: Deerpark E2438Overall site plan showing amounts of cremated bone recovered by quadrant

1006charcoal pit

AD

BC

1003ring-ditch

1003ring-ditch

1009tree-bole

1009tree-bole

locationof beads

cremated bone4.7g

cremated bone6.7g

cremated bone30g

cremated bone44g

0 1.25 m

N

N

0 20 m

SE SWNW

SW NE

NE

W EDrw 6

0 1.25 m

N

0 0.5 m

1004

1005

1003

1005

1003

1004

1005

1003

1004

1005 1003

1003

1009

Drw 11

Drw 13

Drw 15

Figure 4 - N6 Galway to Ballinasloe Scheme, Co. Galway, Contract 2: Deerpark E2438 Sections of ring-ditch 1003

Drw 15

Drw 11

Drw 6Drw 13

= Location of sections (triangles point to face of section)

Figure 5 - N6 Galway to Ballinasloe Scheme, Co. Galway, Contract 2: Deerpark E2438 Plan and section of charcoal pit 1006

0 1 m

N

1006charcoal pit

SW NE

1006

1007

= Location of section (triangles point to face of section)

N

0 20 m

Plate 1 - West-facing section of charcoal pit 1006

Plate 2 - West-facing section of ring-ditch 1003 and tree-bole 1009

1 cm

Plate 3 - North-facing section of tree-bole pit 1009

Plate 4 - Post-excavation view of ring-ditch 1003

Plate 5 - Three beads recovered from the northern quadrant of the ring-ditch in association with burnt human remains


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

14

Appendix 1: Context register Context Number

Area Type Description Interpretation

1000 2.37 Deposit Topsoil, Depth 0.15 m. Mid brown silty clay, few stones, loose compaction.

Topsoil.

1001 2.37 Deposit Subsoil, Depth 0.40 m. Light orange‐brown silty clay, few stones, loose to moderate compaction.

Subsoil.

1002 2.37 Deposit Pale grey stony sandy clay. Natural subsoil. 1003 2.37 Cut Ring ditch of 4 m diameter. Gap to south/east.

Ditch Width 0.50 m, Depth 0.15 m. 40° sides, flat base of 0.30m width. Filled by (1004), (1005).

Small ring‐ditch. Also called penannular gully.

1004 2.37 Fill Secondary fill of small ring ditch (1003). Width 0.30 m, Depth 0.10 m. Black gritty sandy clay, charcoal rich, burnt bone, loose to moderate compaction.

Fill of ring‐ditch.

1005 2.37 Fill Primary fill of small ring ditch (1003). Width 0.50 m, Depth 0.10 m. Orange‐brown silty clay, charcoal flecks, burnt bone, few stones, loose to moderate compaction.

Fill of ring‐ditch.

1006 2.37 Cut Length 1.40 m, Width 0.80 m, Depth 0.3 m. Sub‐oval in plan, irregular shallow sides, irregular flat base. Possibly two pits with north pit cutting south pit. Filled by (1007).

Pit.

1007 2.37 Fill Singular fill of burnt pit (1006). Medium brown silty sand, 50‐60% ‘woody’ charcoal, 2% stones, loose compaction.

Fill of pit.

1008 2.37 Fill Fill of tree bole (1009). Thickness 0.15 m. Grey silty clay, charcoal, few stones, loose to moderate compaction

Fill of a tree‐bole.

1009 2.37 Cut Diameter 2m, Depth 0.50 m. Irregular shape in plan, irregular steep sides, irregular base. Located at terminus of ring ditch.

Tree bole.

1010 2.37 Deposit Red‐orange silty clay, no inclusions, moderate compaction. Found in patches across the site. Average Depth 0.20 m. Average diam 0.50 m.

Natural deposits.

1011 2.37 Fill Fill of tree bole (1009). Thickness 0.50 m. Orange‐brown silty clay, frequent charcoal, burnt bone, few stones, loose compaction.

Fill of tree‐bole.

1012 2.37 Cut Sub‐circular in plan, steep sides, concave base. Natural depression. 1013 2.37 Fill Fill of natural depression (1012). Fill of natural

depression.


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

15

1014 2.37 Fill Fill of tree‐bole (1009). Thickness 0.25 m. Orange silty clay, charcoal, burnt bone, some stones, moderate compaction.

Fill of tree‐bole.


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

16

Appendix 2: Finds register Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.

Material Type Ident Description Habitat Quantity

NGB 05 2.37

1014 1 Stone Chert Struck Broken blade

Headland 1

NGB 05 2.37

1001 1 Stone Chert Struck Scraper Headland 1


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

17

Appendix 3: Sample register Sample Number

Context Number

Amount Description Type/Initial results

1 1004 & 1005 30L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 1 3 buckets 2 1004 & 1005 40L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 2 1 bucket, 3 bags 3 1005 70L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 3 7 bags 4 1005 50L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 4 5 bags 5 1004 & 1005 40L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 5 1 bucket, 3 bags 6 1004 & 1005 40L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 6 3 buckets, 1 bag 7 1004 & 1005 80L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 7 8 bags 8 1007 10L Brown silty fill of pit (1006)

N end 1 bag

9 1007 10L Charcoal‐rich fill of pit (1006) north end

1 bag

10 1007 10L Charcoal‐rich fill of pit (1006) south end

1 bucket

11 1011 90L Fill of pit (1009) south side 9 bags 12 1004/1008/1014 50L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003)

meeting north side of pit (1009)

5 bags

13 1005 10L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 8 1 bag 14 1004 & 1008 10L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 8 1 bag 15 1014 10L Fill of pit (1009) north side 1 bag 16 Surface bone sample 17 1014 5L Fill to west of pit (1009) 1 bucket 18 1011 5L Fill to west of pit (1009) 1 bag 19 1004 & 1005 20L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003)

baulk 1 2 buckets

20 1004 & 1005 10L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) baulk 2

1 bucket

21 1005 10L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) baulk 3

1 bucket

22 1005 40L Fill of ring‐ditch (1003) baulk 4

4 buckets


1 bucket


1 bucket


1 bucket


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

18

Appendix 4: Photo register Photo no

Direction facing

Description Initials/date

24 North Pre‐excavation shot of (1006) S.C. 29.03.06 25 West Pre‐excavation shot of ring‐ditch (1003) S.C. 29.03.06 26 North/west Pre‐excavation shot of ring‐ditch (1003) S.C. 29.03.06 27 North Pre‐excavation shot of ring‐ditch (1003) S.C. 29.03.06 28 North/east Pre‐excavation shot of ring‐ditch (1003) S.C. 29.03.06 29 East West‐facing section of (1006) S.C. 29.03.06 30 North South‐facing section of pit (1009) S.C. 29.03.06 31 East West‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) & pit

(1009) S.C. 29.03.06

32 South North‐facing section of pit (1009) S.C. 29.03.06 33 North/west South/east‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003)

slot 1 B.C. 29.03.06

34 South/east North/west‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 2

B.C. 29.03.06

35 North South‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 2 B.C. 29.03.06 36 South North‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 3 B.C. 29.03.06 37 North/east South/west‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003)

slot 3 B.C. 29.03.06

38 South/west North/east‐facing of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 4 B.C. 29.03.06 39 East West‐facing of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 4 B.C. 29.03.06 40 West East‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 5 B.C. 29.03.06 41 South/east North/west‐facing of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 5 B.C. 29.03.06 42 North South‐facing section of (ring‐ditch 1003) slot 6 B.C. 29.03.06 43 South North‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 6 B.C. 29.03.06 44 North South‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 7 B.C. 29.03.06 45 North/east South/west‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1012) J.W. 30.03.06 46 North Post‐excavation shot of charcoal pit (1009) B.C. 30.03.06 47 North Post‐excavation shot of ring‐ditch (1003) B.C. 30.03.06


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

19

Appendix 5: Drawing register Drawing no

Drawing type

Description Scale Initials/date

1 Section West‐facing section of pit (1006) 1:10 L.C. 29.03.06 2 Section South‐facing section of pit (1009) 1:10 B.C. 29.03.06 3 Section East‐facing section ring‐ditch (1003)

slot 5 1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

4 Section North/west‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 5

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

5 Section West‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 4

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

6 Section North/east‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 4

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

7 Section South/west‐facing seection of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 3

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

8 Section North‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 3

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

9 Section South‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 2

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

10 Section North/west‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 2

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

11 Section South/east‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 1

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

12 Section South‐facing section of (ring‐ditch 1003) slot 7

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

13 Section North‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 7

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

14 Section North‐facing section ring‐ditch (1003) slot 6

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

15 Section South‐facing section of ring‐ditch (1003) slot 6

1:10 N.K. 29.03.06

16 Plan Post‐excavation plan of ring‐ditch (1003)

1:20 L.C. & B.C. 30.03.06

17 Section South/west‐facing section of (1012) 1:10 J.W. 30.03.06 18 Plan Post‐excavation plan of (1006) 1:20 L.C. 30.03.06 19 Section North/west‐facing section of ring‐

ditch (1003) & (1009) 1:10 N.K. 30.03.06

20 Section North/east‐facing section of (1009) 1:10 N.K. 30.03.06


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

20

Appendix 6: Osteological Data

Cut Fill Sample Total Weight (g)

Black (%)

Blue‐Grey (%)

White (%) Max. Frag Size (mm)

1003 1004/05/08/10 12, 13 4.7 6 47 47 13.3

1003 1004 / 1005 7, 6, 24,

25 6.7 43 20 37 21

1003 1004 / 1005 4,5, 22, 23

30 8.3 36 55.7 19.15

1003 1004 / 1005 1‐3, 19, 21

44 18 42 40 28.9

1006 1007 ‐ 0.1 ‐ ‐ 100 5.1 1009 1011 11 2.4 ‐ ‐ 100 17.74 Table 1: Cremated material by weight, colour and maximum size

Cut Fill Sample Skull(g)

Axial Skeleton (g)

Upper Limb (g)

Lower Limb (g)

Unidentifiable (g)

1003 1004/05/08/10 12, 13 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 4.7

1003 1004 / 1005 7, 6, 24,

25 ‐ ‐ 2.8 ‐ 3.9

1003 1004 / 1005 4,5, 22, 23

‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 30

1003 1004 / 1005 1‐3, 19, 21

‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 44

1006 1007 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 0.1 1009 1011 11 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 2.4 Table 2: Cremated material by identifiable element


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

21

Appendix 7: Radiocarbon Dating Results

Context Description Lab Number Radiocarbon Date BP

Calibrated range (2 sigma) calendar yrs BC / AD


UB‐7485 2110 +/‐ 33 BC 342 ‐ 45


UB‐7486 2167 +/‐ 35 BC 362 ‐ 111

1007 Charcoal Quercus sp. From pit (1006)

UB‐0745 1017 +/‐ 29 905 – 1148 AD

Table 1. Radiocarbon results from E2438 Deerpark


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

22

Appendix 8 Soil Sample Assessment Background The archaeological excavations at Deerpark (A024/14, E2438) were carried out in advance of the N6 Galway – Ballinasloe Road Scheme, on behalf of Galway County Council. The site was located approx. 2.7km south‐east of Athenry at NGR 152286/225265. The excavation revealed a small ring‐ditch containing cremated human remains along with a pit feature. It was difficult to ascertain whether there was a relationship between the ditch and the pits. A comprehensive sampling strategy was employed, where a total of 25 bulk soil samples were taken representing all significant fills and deposits. Methodology Nineteen soil samples were selected for the recovery of palaeobotanical remains and small finds. Each sample was subjected to a system of flotation in a Siraf style flotation tank. The floating debris (flot) was collected in a 250 μm sieve and, once dry, scanned using a binocular microscope. Any remaining material in the flotation tank (retent) was wet‐sieved through a 1mm mesh and air‐dried. This was then sorted by eye and any material of archaeological significance removed. An assessment of each sample was made to determine whether it would benefit from any more detailed analysis. The results from this are presented in Tables 1 and 2. Results The botanical remains were preserved by charring in all cases. Wood charcoal –All samples contained wood charcoal in low to high concentrations. Where a higher concentration of wood charcoal (+++ and ++++) was recorded, the majority of the charcoal was very fragmented and survived in very small fibres and filaments. Samples identified with an asterisk (*) in Table 1 contain sufficient quantities of charcoal for obtaining a radiocarbon date. Carbonised hazelnut shell – Just two contexts contained very small fragments of carbonised hazelnut shell; Contexts 1004 and 1005 [fills of ring‐ditch 1003] Animal bone Unburnt bone –Twelve samples contained unburnt animal bone. Low concentrations of bone was recovered from Contexts 1004/1005 [fill of ring‐ditch 1003], while much higher concentrations were recorded from Contexts 1011 and 1014 [fills of pit 1009]. Burnt bone – Burnt bone was recovered from five samples; low concentrations were identified from Contexts 1004/1005 [fills of ring‐ditch 1003], while the highest concentrations were recovered from Context 1011 and 1014 [fills of pit 1009]. (see Osteoarchaeological Report) Mollusca – Low to moderate concentrations of molluscs were recorded from Context 1004, 1005, 1011 and 1014. It is difficult to ascertain at this assessment stage whether these species belong to marine or terrestrial varieties of mollusca.


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

23

Metallic debris – Small fragments of metallic debris were identified from Contexts 1005 and 1011. While this material contains a metallic component, it is difficult to ascertain whether this is a result of metal working or naturally occurring deposits. No more can be said about the material at this time. Flint – Contexts 1011 and 1014 contained fragments of flint. No secondary workings were evident from the material, however based on the size of the assemblage, it is difficult to establish whether it represents cultural or natural material. Chert – Fragments of chert were also recovered from Contexts 1011 and 1014. Evidence for secondary/tertiary workings were noted from some of the fragments, however, it was difficult to ascertain whether the remaining fragments were culturally or naturally formed. Discussion The samples primarily contained charcoal fragments but were void of other botanical indicators of domestic activity. The presence of cremated deposits from the site would explain the high charcoal content from many of the features. Such conflagration deposits would also result in this material being reworked and redistributed across the site into open features. Both burnt and unburnt bone was recorded from the samples, especially from the ditch [1003] and pit [1009]. The burnt bone is likely to be associated with the cremated bone recovered from the site, however further assessment of the unburnt bone would help to interpret the nature of the material and its presence at the site. Carbonised hazelnut shell is a common occurrence from archaeological sites (Moffett et al, 1989; Greig, 1991) and its presence is usually interpreted as the waste debris of gathered foodstuffs that have been discarded onto fires; the remnants of drying or parching hazelnuts near or over a fire; material collected with hazel wood for fuel or kindling. The hazelnut shell recovered from many of the features at the site is in such small quantities however, its origin remains uncertain.

Evidence for flint and chert debris was predominantly recovered from pit [1009]. While this material strongly suggests that lithic knapping was carried out at the site, it is difficult to date when this action was carried out. It is most likely that this activity dates to the prehistoric period, however, it is also worth noting that small assemblages of worked lithics have also been found on early medieval sites as at Ballyutoag, Co. Antrim (Edwards, 1990).

Mollusc shell assemblages can often be found in sediments associated with standing water. However, it is difficult to ascertain the exact reasoning behind the occurrence of such material in these samples without a more detailed study taking place. The soil sample assessment from Deerpark contained a relatively low concentration of archaeological and archaeobotanical material. While no finds pertaining to domestic or occupational activity were recovered, the on‐site recording of cremated remains certainly highlights the use of the site as an area of funerary activity at one time. References Edwards, N 1990 The Archaeology of Early Medieval Ireland Ch 5, 96. B.T Batsford Ltd. London.


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

24

Greig, J, 1991 ‘The British Isles’ in van Zeist, Wasylikowa & Behre (eds) Progess in Old World Palaeoethnobotany, 299 – 334. Rotterdam. Moffett, L et al 1989 Cereals, fruits and nuts: charred plant remains from Neolithic sites in England and Wales and the Neolithic economy. In A Milles, D Williams & N Gardner (eds), The beginnings of agriculture. British Archaeological Repots International Series 496: 234‐261.

Appendix 9: Site Matrix

(1000)

(1001)

(1014)

(1008)(1011)

[1009][1012]

(1013)

[1006]

(1007)

(1002)

[1003]

(1005)

(1004)

(1010)

(1002)

Deerpark Iron Age ring‐ditch with cremation deposits

Documents

Transcript of Deerpark Iron Age ring‐ditch with cremation deposits