COPYRIGHT M
HOOLE
Digging through the Archives:
The Achavanich Bronze Age Beaker Burial
Maya Hoole
mayahoole@googlemail.com
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.
Excavatio
n
Photograp
hic
“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
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
