Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Southwest Scottish Crannogs: using in situ studies to assess preservation in wetland archaeological contexts

Lillie, Malcolm; Smith, Robert; Reed, Jane; Inglis, Rob

Authors

Malcolm Lillie

Robert Smith

Jane Reed

Rob Inglis



Abstract

This paper presents the results of in situ monitoring of waterlogged burial contexts in southwest Scotland. The sites investigated are Iron Age crannogs (lake dwellings) which have a proven waterlogged archaeological component, and which are being assessed as part of a national program of study by the Scottish Wetland Archaeology Programme (SWAP) team. A monthly monitoring program commenced in July of 2004. To date, monitoring of water levels, pH, and redox potential, has been undertaken for a period of 17 months in order to encompass any seasonal variability at the sites studied. The results have proven robust in that an 'ideal' site for in situ preservation has been identified from the five sites investigated, and the monitoring has highlighted external variables and seasonal impacts that have the potential to influence the long-term in situ preservation at the remaining sites studied. In general, these results have expanded upon our knowledge of the potential for the preservation of existing archaeological remains within such contexts. This study represents the first stage of monitoring aimed at developing a holistic understanding of in situ conditions at the crannog sites studied in southwest Scotland. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Lillie, M., Smith, R., Reed, J., & Inglis, R. (2008). Southwest Scottish Crannogs: using in situ studies to assess preservation in wetland archaeological contexts. Journal of archaeological science, 35(7), 1886-1900. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2007.11.029

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 30, 2007
Online Publication Date Jan 28, 2008
Publication Date 2008-06
Deposit Date Nov 13, 2014
Journal Journal Of Archaeological Science
Print ISSN 0305-4403
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 35
Issue 7
Pages 1886-1900
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2007.11.029
Keywords Wetland archaeology; Burial environment; Preservation; Water levels; Redox; pH
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/461162
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440307002452?via%3Dihub
Contract Date Nov 13, 2014