| Entry: | --------------------
General
--------------------
Today both SRW and I removed the remaining fill from Unit 18309, defining in the process a new unit (Unit 18311) . Otherwise the day was spent recording and starting the excavation of Unit 18322.
It is interesting to note that quite a few items of reduced (black in appearance) ceramic are being recovered; when considering the generally well-fired nature of the red-slipped wares (biscuit-fired), a function, presumably, of the chalk content in the mixture, such consistently reduced ceramics indicate the intentional control of heat and flame during the firing process. While pot-washing the day before yesterday we did identify a number of red-on-black sherds, suggesting that ceramics may have been fired in a reducing atmosphere before being decorated with the more usual red slip in geometric patterns. When compared to the red-on-orange ceramics so far recovered these would have made an interesting visual contrast with the red-on-black wares.
--------------------
Unit 18309
--------------------
The remaining fill was removed from Unit 18309, revealing the so far typical assortment of red-slipped ceramic sherds and a minority of obsidian flakes. Interesting, however, was the excavation of a concentration of faunal material, including a sheep/goat mandible embedded in the fill abutting the S-E buttress (F. 5063) and other larger fragments of bone, such as a 'fleshy' long bone.
Once cleared and recorded we were able to better define the limits of the northern buttress, which adds weight to the argument that Space 342 represents a rectanglular room with four buttress installations located in the mid-section of each wall. As we are clearing and moving vertically the limits of space 342 will go unclarified until the excavation concentrates on lateral stratigraphy, which I believe would better illuminate the relationship of space 342 to those adjacent to it (including Space 310).
--------------------
Unit 18322
--------------------
A new unit was defined as consisting of the material located between Unit 18310 (the 'step' installation of yesterday) and the S-E buttress. ER and I made the decision to define this as a new unit based on (a) the probability of further painted plaster fragments located beneath the surface material (indeed, many were visible protruding from the surface*) and (b) the manner in which Unit 18322 material seems to overlay that of 18310. Closer scrutiny and excavation of Unit 18322 has recast our thinking of yesterday in some regards, namely that Unit 18310 may not represent a step installation and instead a section of floor (collapsed). I remain, however, of the opinion that Unit 18310 represents the basal section of a step or bench feature, otherwise collapsed and degraded from any number of factors (erosion; collapse from above; etc).
If we are excavating a 'basement' room, as we have seen on the East Mound, then several questions arise; why would a storage room contain painted plaster, and what is the purpose of a bench or step? The bench and material located around it urge that this space (Space 342) served some more 'public' function, as one that was used daily. The burning evidenced by ashy material and charcoal recovered from Units 18310 and 18322 offer at least the notion, however much it sounds unfounded, of a hearth or act of intentional burning. Further excavation will, of course, clarify this issue.
* When upturned (on their 'face') these fragments appear not dissimilar from the general chalk fill contained in Unit 18309, urging that in future we pay closer attention to this material when it is found in relation to a wall or buttress.
--------------------
Unit 18311
--------------------
Unit 18311 was defined as that contained between the interface of Units 18310, 18322 and the intended western step. Recording and cleaning in preparation for excavation were conducted today, such that we should clear this by tomorrow afternoon. It is hoped here that cleaning down this arbitrary level (Unit 18311) will reveal the depth and character of Units 18310 and 18322, such that by this time tomorrow afternoon I can either disregard my concern with this 'step' or bench feature, or it will be classified as a feature. |
