| | Area: South | | | | Dug in Year: 2004 | | Feature Type: platform | | | | Related Photo (Click to view larger version in new window) | | | | | Location: | | | F1502 describes the central eastern platform between NE platform F1501 and bench F1503. This platform 1502 consists of 4 separate phases of make up and plastering, some contemporary with phases on F1501. Two graves F1512+ F1515 are cut into different phases and a niche F1509 and basin F1505 are cut into the latest phase. The different phases of this platform but against bench F1503 with plaster lipping up, suggesting continued and pos contemporary refurbishment.
The make up layers consist mainly of silts or sandy silts with few inclusions, built up in thin or thicker layers over which the plaster was laid. The plaster layers appear similar in that a rougher plaster was overlayen with a finer thinner finishing surface. All plaster surfaces showed signs of wear and tear, mainly on western part.
DISCUSSION
Platform F1502 constructed as an integral part of platform F1501 and bench F1503 on E side of B42. It was a planned part of the internal features from the start.
In the first 2 phases F1502 and F1501 are constructed moreor less as a complete entity- same make up and plaster layers cover them both and graves F1515 in F1502 and F1513/F1514 in F1501 cut through make up layers before plastering over both platforms.
It is in the 3rd phase that different activity becomes apparent on F1502; It becomes apparent that the platform is slumping and attempts to counter that are taken. Grave F1512 is also cut in this 3rd phase, but in contrast to the previous ones on F1501+2 it is cut through the plaster surface (10457). Several make up layers are then added to counter slumping in SE part of F1502 and platform is raised up to be level with F1501.
The only activity after this on F1502 is the cutting of F1505 basin and construction of bucrania represented by niche F1509. It is unclear whether F1501 is raised before this and its own bucrania added or if it was a later embelishment, they do appear though to have stood contemporaneously for the end of their lifespan even if constructed at slightly different dates.
At end of B42 lifespan, basin filled in and bucrania removed.
So F1502 appears to have been an area of special activity; each of the 4 phases of plastering show wear or thourough scouring before next phase...area of clenliness? Platform also appears to be used as a place of burial; F1515 under plaster- hidden and F1512 through plaster, pos referencing F1515? This is where marble mother goddess figurine recovered (10475x2) pos a deliberate deposit or redeposited from midden below or F1515 (see sheets). Finally basin F1505 again pos referencing graves as in same location; and bucrania- area of ritual? Platforms as focal point in house? Platform not just a raised area, but area representing different activities/ meanings over and at different times, yet element of continuity and little change; only 4 phases!
Matrix on paper archive, see also F1501. | | | | In situ Conservation: No | | Lifted: No | | | | Feature Relationships: | | above: (Click to view the record) 1503, 1519 | | abuts: (Click to view the record) 1501 | | cut by: (Click to view the record) 1505, 1508, 1512, 1515 | | | | Number of Related Diary Entries: 5 | | | | Conservation Recorded: No | | Related Photos: 67 (Opens as a group in a new window) | Buildings: (Click to view the record)
| Spaces: (Click to view the record)
| | No. Of Units in this Feature: 14 (Click here to view unit list) |
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