| Entry: | I have now completed the excavation and recording of the Fire Installation F.416. There were further later phases to this oven, encountered as I excavated to the cut. The oven was very well constructed and has three identifiable ‘use’ phases. There is also a shallow slope to the oven from the north to the south. It may well be intentional, but within all the new build phases there is an attempt to level the oven bases, having a greater depth of preparation deposits to the south than the north.
The oven truncated various rake out spreads to the east (4179, 4124); the remains of platform F.428 to the west: earlier remains of a fire installation F.458 to the north-east; a pit [4402] to the north-west and a very interesting cash of artefacts (4401) directly to its west.
The cluster (4401) was concentrated in a very small area measuring 0.34m e-w by 0.24m n-s by 0.08m depth. The cluster contained 3 small pieces of serpentine stone, one of which was a small axe fragment, a single piece of flint, a single piece of obsidian, two rubbing stones, a beautiful animal tooth pendant, two more pieces of stone and a small carnivores jaw. These were all X finded. Other elements were shell pieces and other unidentifiable bone fragments. This could possibly be a child’s selection of objects which were lost, or as the cash was found in the neolithic infill and appears to be one of the earlier elements of the building it could be token offerings, placed in a bag and then buried. Perhaps containing some remnants of an earlier building. Another example of continuity of the buildings.
Features encountered below the rake-out were a charred deposit [4334] which has been interpreted as a burnt out post-hole and a possible pit [4404]. There is also an earlier fire installation F.458 which could be associated with the rakeout and/layer (4526). This F.I. concluded the last of the main features and layers within space 163.
I proceeded to excavate the neolithic infill (4172) in the SW quadrant of the building. Within the infill and under platform F.428 an infant burial was encountered, F.464 skeleton (4406). The edge was immediately defined and excavation began. The infant (6 months to 1 year) was covered in a red ochre deposit (4407). After this was removed it was clear that the infant was resting on a ‘reed’ mat impression. Two ‘bell-shaped’ anklets made of individual bone beads were found at the ankles and bracelets made of bone and coloured stone, (blue, black and white) were wrapped around the wrists. The body was placed in a crouched position, facing the south. The skull was badly crushed in antiquity with the head in a face down position. The left arm was extended to meet with the legs, while the right arm was flexed with only the ulna and radius visible. The legs were drawn upwards to the chest. Details are recorded in the unit sheet (4406).
The excavated skeleton is, in my opinion , very beautiful... with the remaining red ochre at the feet, the spectacular beads and bracelets, the placement of the body on the mat impression. There has been great care taken over the burial of the infant. These artefacts seem to be too large to have actually been used in life. Maybe they were gifts at the time of birth from relatives, things which the child would use when they were a little older. Something they would become. Perhaps it is standard funerary goods for this particular period. Anyway... Shahina and Ian have decided to actually preserve the infant in situ and with the conservation skills of Kent we should be able to lift the skeleton complete with its associated artefacts. This has made me very happy as I believe it is the first skeleton from Catalhoyuk to be treated in this way. I am sure there will be further skeletons which can be dissected by bone specialists and the bits then placed in their various boxes. It’s new home will be Konya museum where I hope it will be displayed accordingly.
I have already found a new infant skeleton this morning while excavating around skeleton (4406). The cut was easily identified so I have made the decision to leave it in situ until the necessary preparations are made to lift (4406), as it does not interfere with the lifting requirements at present. It should be excavated when Kent lifts skeleton (4406), whereby we can construct temporary shade for the two. No other skeletons have been encountered in the SW corner of Space 163. The process of excavating these skeletons is slow but necessary, as they give valuable information to all specialists and must be excavated with this in mind.
I have also been given a days training in the use of the video camera for when Lucy goes on holiday. It has given me an insight into the processes involved with filming and editing. It requires some time when initially learnt, is of valuable use, and is good fun too. Cheers Lucy.
Tomorrow we will continue the preparation of lifting skeleton (4406) by excavating the majority of the SW corner to a depth of at least 40cm below the base of skeleton... which has to be done anyway... so all parties should be satisfied. Hope it goes well.Entered By: Charlie Newman |
