Drumclay Crannog Open Day Feb 16 2013

Originally posted online on 16 February 2013 at rmchapple.blogspot.com

(http://rmchapple.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/drumclay-crannog-open-day-feb-16-2013.html)

My family and I are just back in from the Drumclay Crannog open day in Fermanagh, and I wanted to share some of my photos of the site. The first portion of the day consisted of a presentation on the background of crannogs generally and the current state of knowledge of the site type in Fermanagh, in particular. Other sections of the presentation concentrated on the finds and structures from the site. Overall, the crannog was described in terms of not just regional or national importance, but as an internationally significant site. I must admit that it was more than a little galling to hear the planning history of the site presented in such an ‘opaque’ manner with no mention of the fact that it required vast personal courage on behalf of a number of the original site crew to ensure that this site was properly excavated, along with the bravery and determination of so many professional archaeologists and interested parties to get us to the positive outcome we have now achieved. This is my only criticism of the day. Once this self-serving presentation was over we were bussed to the site itself. First we got to see some of the finds and then had a verbal tour of the site. From here on, I will largely let the photographs do the talking, but to mention that the currently exposed level is thought to date to the 7th century – apparently making it an unbroken sequence of settlement into the 17th century.

A first look at the crannog excavation

Cathy Moore shows us one of the pins from the site

... and some poo (copralites, if you prefer)

A portion of a wooden vessel and a separate base

The wooden vessel

The finds display table

A selection of smiling archaeologists

A wooden gaming piece

A selection of the animal bones

A portion of a leather bag/satchel

Excavation overview

Oscar looks in ...

Panorama across the site

I have only one other comment on the day. That is to pay tribute to the extraordinarily skilled and dedicated archaeologists currently on site. They are carrying out a world-class excavation on an amazingly well-preserved site in terribly challenging physical conditions. They have my support and my utmost respect. They’ve done an amazing job in presenting this site to the public today (750 people booked the tour), and I look forward to seeing the publications on the site.