| Entry: | We are beginning to get a better idea of the midden deposits in Space 279. A number of the compound layers we have excavated consist of a thickish series of more finely laminated midden dumps with a two more distict layers underlying these. The upper of these is a thickish (up to 20cm) light grey layer which overlays a thin heavily burnt layer which is very charcoal rich. So far we have have had the same sequence twice (12980) and (13103) with a similar series excavated as (12988).
We are not sure if these layers could represent lime burning, we have sent (12980) down as a priority but it may take a while to get the results since the unit was huge. (12980) differed from (13103) on the quantity of animal bone from the burnt layer, but in other respects the two series seem very similar and I was wondering if it represents some cycle of use of this particulatr midden area. The section at the LOE of this years excavation is already looking impressive and it would be good to continue in the area we are working a while longer to see if the same pattern continues down. Also hopefully when Wendy gets here she can have a look at the section and perhaps take some column samples.
Although the midden is slumping extensively into pitting (see below), we think that originally the deposit would have been more horizontal since gravity would not allow the bands of midden to form in uniform thickness in the bottom and on the sides of cut features.
The pitting activity seems to be related to the extraction of building material from building demolition and also from walls since we are starting to see that the cuts truncate walls lower down the sequence. The material that is cut is clearly good, clean building material.Entered By: LY |
