| Entry: | Things seem to be going very well in Space 163. Platform 424 seems to be sorted. It appears that it was constructed over earlier features and floors. Although the platform was heavily truncated during the 60’s (peace love) it seems that there was a post-hole cut in the centre of the platform, flanked by a bin F.431 to the west and possibly a Bin F.434 immediately to the east. The post was once covered with plaster and has a sandy lining base which may have continued up above the platform. This post could be decorative as we have cleared the hole room of recent backfill, including the baulk in the south of the room, and could not find any corresponding post-hole. It is also a later addition as it appears to truncate the floors.
The platform certainly covers an earlier Bin F.432 and an unknown feature F.427. This appears to be the remains of ‘make-up’ for a sculpture or foundation. Having already consulted last years diaries it appears to have had many similarities to Naomi’s feature which was even less understood. Badly eroded and attacked by the manic mice, I decided a quick plan and section was in order. This revealed a series of makeup layers in a wavy diagonal pattern e-w, sealed by a plaster edge. It appears to be intentionally constructed like this to form a solid base and/or for a sculpture.....catch twenty two. But at least that which was left to me is fully recorded incase we come across a complete piece of ‘wavy cake.’
To the east of the platform (which once spread over a large area of the north of the room) was at least one fire installation. This had already been revealed in the 60’s (it all happened back then, you know). When the plaster covering the platform was removed two ovens came apparent. F433 cut an earlier fire installation F.437. This means that we now have at least four fire installations in the room. The earlier ones in the north-east corner and the later one’s associated with Level 8 shrine 10 to the south....bit of a Spring clean somewhere down the line.
At the moment Pete who has recently joined us.... is just beginning to excavate the lower building infill, after excavating the remaining patches of floors and the first clay ball pit. I have finished the platform and all other features in the north part of Space 163, and have decided to help Atakhan excavate the ‘Mother of all Ovens’. Initially sectioned under the baulk....it has recently been revelled to it’s full extent.....and it is huge (F.416). There is at least 3 phases, even a phase within the superstructure of the oven......and its shaped like an egg! Cool. Hopefully we will excavate the remaining part of this oven, a couple of obsidian clusters, a feature cut by the oven? And then begin on the next building.
Overall I am enjoying the excavation probably because so many things here are new. The priority tours are a great idea as you get instant feedback to that which was excavated the day before. Can’t wait to get down further and start on a ‘fresh’ building.Entered By: Charlie Newman |
