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Martin Carruthers of @ThinkUHI giving an update on #TheCairns excavation for @OAS_Orkney . Such a fascinating project #ironage #archaeology #orkney
A #broch is an architectural edifice remaining from a complex, long lived community. Over 1000years of occupation in and around the central Broch. #TheCairns excavation is more than just the building, it's about the lives of the people who lived and died there #Orkney @OAS_Orkney
The enforced 'off-season' caused by COVID has allowed @ThinkUHI researchers and students to write up the material culture from the site in unique detail. Including figurines, textiles, shells, subsistence, wooden bowls and human hair. @OAS_Orkney #orkney #archaeology
#TheCairns sits within a rich area of multiperiod occupation, shown by geophysical survey and testpitting by @ThinkUHI students #archaeology #orkney @OAS_Orkney
Images of the interior being excavated by @ThinkUHI students and volunteers gives an impression of the scale of the interior and it's partitions. @OAS_Orkney #archaeology #ironage #orkney
Incredibly detailed work being done on the environmental, cereal and microfaunal deposits within the floors. This tray of burnt bone being studied by @ThinkUHI student for her Masters. @OAS_Orkney #TheCairns #orkney #archaeology
Evidence of seal remains at #TheCairns. Votive? Food? Oil, fuel and fur? @ThinkUHI @OAS_Orkney #archaeology #ironage #orkney
A marked difference between what is deposited (and therefore consumed?) within and outside the broch. Outside Broch = the village and settlement. Inside = higher status, or specific ritual use? @OAS_Orkney @ThinkUHI #Archaeology #orkney #TheCairns
The excavation at #TheCairns really highlights the relationship between students and excavation research project. @ThinkUHI students working on the site material have unique, hands-on, immediately relevant research opportunities not available at many universities. @OAS_Orkney
#TheCairns and Martin Carruthers of @ThinkUHI have been asked to be part of the @Commiosproject to add to and research the DNA profile of the #ironage human remains found onsite. #orkney @OAS_Orkney #archaeology
The material culture towards the later #ironage shows an elaboration of personal adornment and personal identity. #TheCairns #archaeology @OAS_Orkney @ThinkUHI #orkney
It takes a village! Partnership working to get this fascinating #TheCairns excavation to this point. With this support, this @ThinkUHI excavation is likely to change our understanding of #IronAge and #Orkney #archaeology @OAS_Orkney
I of course need to add/acknowledge @UHIArchaeology and @OrkneyCollege in this thread. A really excellent talk.
