| Entry: | Space 100 has indeed become the "horny" area. As Stephanie and I were clearing out the baulk (U. 7940) along the east wall, I found cluster of 3 plastered horn cores, in addition to the other horn core (U. 7920) that is leaning aginst the wall. The cluster of three is a bit of a jumble and look as if they might be on a surface- still to be decided. There is no pattern although there are now 4 horns in this area so maybe this cluster represents two pairs?? I am fairly convinced that the horns are indeed plastered and not coated in salt, based on the thickness and in contrast to how salt looks and flakes. This coating material is dense and does not flake. As we worked around in this area, we were able to further define the horse skull and lifted it by the end of the day. Unfortunately, there was no more of it than the occipital fragment and one possible tooth. The other large mammal bones were removed today - after they were wax-conserved yesterday. Wendy came around and scratched around and helped us define a surface. The stratigraphy of whole area is very confusing. The 'surface' is not very clear- and if indees this is a 'surface' then how and why are the 'discarded' horns embedded within it? It does not make sense. I cut around the horns so that the conservators can conserve and lift it and in doing so I cut into this 'surface'. If that is the case, then how and why did the horn get embedded in it, if it is in a secondary position? And, the horn agaist the wal (7920) appears that its tip is attached to the wall- which it clearly cannot be- but it sure looks like it. SLS and I spent all day in this area and barely excavated 80l of soil. I used an dental pick and a brush all day and Stephanie did much the same. I followed plaster lines until I saw a shape- it is so time consuming and tedious, yet necessary I suppose. I just hope that something great becomes of it :)Entered By: SHL |
