The purpose of this exercise is to interpret and identify the uses and evolution of the Orsett Caul Neolithic site in Northumbria. (This is a made up site and does not exist!) I have provided a number of site plans, maps and examples of the sorts of structures that might be represented – it’s up to you to interpret them and tell the story of the settlement and it’s people! Good luck, be creative, and remember to groundtruth your theories in what is observable!
This is a 1-2 page writing assignment due 4/24/20.
Main settlement features:
As you look at this map, keep in mind that things that appear to be under other objects are probably earlier: this is the Law of Superposition. Come up with multiple phases of use for the site.
Example of post hole based building:
Ditch and wall round structure. Is it defensive, ceremonial, or communal (for the purpose of gathering)?
Archaeological site features at the Orsett Caul site. Features involve buried walls, post holes that could support pillars for structures, ditches, stone floors or rotted and buried wooden features that usually are related to buildings or burials.
Stratigraphy from Orsett Caul. All of the artifacts and features come from below the darkened burn layer. Above this there is an interruption of occupation before artifacts resume with Roman typologies.
Burials at Orsett Caul:
To date only a few burials have been found at Orsett Caul, three near the circular structure and one inside it. The first three are near the circular structure seen here:
This fourth grave is unusual in that it contains the remains of horses as well as a human skeleton. Please consider the positions of the skeletons as well as the grave goods associated with each burial, and note any other unusual features. Who were these people, and what were their statuses?
Artifacts from Orsett Caul:
Stone orbs measuring 10-15 cm in diameter. Granite, serpentine and sandstone.
Stone tools and flakes from circular structure
Perforated ceramic vessel found near circular structure.
Obsidian blades found near the round structure.
Cow horns with fake clay skull, found near the post hole structures.
Art found near ring structure.
What is going on at Orsett Caul? In this area of England, the beginning of the Neolithic dates to circa 5000 BC, which is right around the time this community was settled. The first carbon dates from the lowest levels date to 4900 BC. The first metallurgy in Neolithic Great Britain dates to 2500 BC, although bronze had been used in the Middle East since 3000 BC. Northumbria, where our (fictional) site lies, is in South Eastern Scotland. The burned layer is dated to 2200 BC, and the only feature clearly associated with it is the fourth burial found near the post hole structures.
Who were the people of Orsett Caul? What was the site used for, and how did that change over time? What can the artifacts tell us about subsistence, trade, and ritual belief at the site? What is still a mystery? Prepare to discuss your theories in class on Thursday.