Digging through the Archives: The Achavanich Bronze Age Beaker Burial

Maya Hoolemayahoole@googlemail.com

COPYRIGHT M HOOLE

Historic Data

There are lots of archaeological sites which have been excavated but the data has not been fully

analysed or published.

There are lots of students and young researchers looking to gain experience and produce original

work.

Excavation

Photographic

Survey

“Skeumorphism”

- Located the site at NGR ND 1783 4333 by visiting the proposed location and comparing original site photographs with the landscape- Looked at the wider archaeological landscape using HER spatial data extract. No domestic sites known in this part of the landscape but is in proximity to multiple standing stones and stone settings. Ritual area?- Re-created original site plans it by analysing the photographic survey of the excavation, using Adobe Photoshop- Proposed hypothesis about position: crouched inhumation, most likely on their right hand side facing south-east, but possible disturbance of the bones so uncertain- Further development of Photoshop skills and site plan drawing and understanding, and a deep appreciation for a clear, sound photographic record of an excavation- Visited the museum, re-photographed the beaker and created database of associated finds- By creating the illustration I deduced that as the pot wasn’t wheel spun, it is in fact unsymmetrical and skeumorphic, so looks different from different angles- Experience doing archaeological illustration, handling objects, recording objects and working with museum - Lots of new skills, knowledge and experience!

But how do I find the historic data?

Speak to your local HER, or museum, or university, or a friendly more experienced archaeologist who may know of something, somewhere,

in somebody’s shed…

With thanks to:

The Highland Council Historic Environment Team

Caithness Horizons

ASA Conference Organisation Committee