| Entry: | The lifting of skeleton (4406) was a complete success. Kent made a box to place around the infant, including the grave cut, while I continued excavating grave F.467. The infant was very small, so as soon as it was fully exposed I made use of the digital camera, located the grave cut and photographed. Using various known points set by the EDM, I was able to take a close up overhead photo. This was then duly scaled on the computer and a digital printout was used as a basis to the plan. This proved highly efficient and accurate as I was able to plan the infant at 1:1 and add details on-site. I then left the bone specialist to lift the infant while I prepared the ground for the lifting of skeleton (4406) F.464. The exact perimeter of the box which Kent had prepared was cut out of infill 4172..... with suitable working space left for two people. A temporary shelter was then constructed to cover both skellys. Kent and I then fixed the box around the area to be lifted. The base was loosened by using skewers placed at 90 degrees to the box. When there was suitable movement we slid the box onto a copper base and screwed the base to the sides (very carefully). The box containing the skeleton was then carried back to the labs by four people without a single bone or bead out of place! Hooray! The whole process was duly filmed by Lucy and photographed by Jez. That’s how you do it kids!
Continued excavating more of the SW quadrant, leaving a small amount of infill to protect the plaster walls and any plaster relief’s that may be encountered. This is to prevent the sun from destroying the plaster as there is no shade. It’s mighty hot out there. Proceeded with infill in the SE quadrant where it seems I have found more burials in baskets. Unfortunately I have been out of action for a few days as I ate a dodgy kebab in Ankara (but there again who hasn’t eaten a dodgy kebab.... same the world over.) This has prevented me digging on site as there isn’t a toilet within 1 minutes walk.... comprendez?) Hope to be back to the normal routine tomorrow, in all respects.Entered By: Charlie Newman |
