Ancient Tibetan relics found
Recent archaeological discoveries in Tibet will go some way towards providing insights into ancient Tibetan societies, according to the Xinhua news agency. A haul of 37 groups, including stoneware, tombs and military watchtowers, was found along the high altitude Qinghai-Tibet railway and provides the first evidence that Tibetans may have hunted and farmed at heights of around 16,500 feet (5,000 metres). A large site containing sacrificial relics excavated in Nagqu County was also the first find of its kind in Tibet, and a stoneware deposit in Damxung County was the largest ever discovered.
The sacrificial relics, together with a megalithic circle 12.2 feet (3.7 metres) in diameter, are expected to reveal more about pre-Buddhist religion in Tibet. Historical records show that ancient Tibetans worshipped spirits associated with sacred stones, megaliths, woods and lakes. The megalithic circle was found close to a lake in Amdo County which is believed to have been used in lake worship.
Source: Discovery Channel (23 June 2003)
Orkney site may be first farm in Britain
The only Neolithic wooden structures found in Orkney (reported in Archaeo News, 7 May 2003) could also be the earliest farm settlements discovered so far in Britain. The finds at the foot of Wideford Hill may shed light on one of the most disputed subjects in archaeology. Successive generations of archaeologists have argued over when and how prehistoric societies made the transition from hunter gathering to an agri-pastoral way of life. The Wideford Hill site, dated to the early to mid fourth millennium BCe, has produced evidence that the people of the time were herding animals and growing barley, probably in garden patches around the houses of the settlement. The discovery of the Orkney structures could contribute to knowledge of the Neolithic period, adding to the picture of a settled lifestyle in villages and farmsteads on the island dating back at least 6,000 years.
Dr. Colin Richards, of Manchester University, led the dig which could produce some of the earliest dates for settlement on the islands. “Most of the farms would have had sheep and cattle and there were red deer knocking around. Interestingly, these red deer would have to have been brought over from the mainland. It appears that life would have revolved around transport by sea, and shows the importance of a fishing and maritime culture in these areas which continues to this day.”
Post holes on the site show the position of a number of circular structures, each with a central hearth. This evidence of wooden structures is surprising, as Orkney was treeless at the time. Dr Richards said: “It would have been warmer and a bit wetter during this period on Orkney but it would have looked pretty similar to the way its does now.” The wooden buildings must therefore have been constructed from driftwood from the shore. As previously reported, radiocarbon dating is now under way to determine a more precise timeframe for the settlement.
Source: www.theherald.co.uk (20 June 2003)
Hull’s archaeological heritage at risk
Local people, city archaeologists and councillors are concerned that plans to build 105 homes at Castle Grange, Hull (England) could mean the loss of Bronze Age relics and a suspected 4,000 year old farmstead. The site was purchased by Persimmon Homes in 1989, before the introduction of the statutory requirement for an archaeological survey.
David Evans, of Hull-based Humber Archaeology, said that the Castle Grange area was “potentially rich” in Bronze Age material. “There is evidence of Bronze Age living in the area as it stretches out towards the fens, as well as what may be an Iron Age farmstead. Throughout the planning application we tried to get a condition applied which would, in normal circumstances, allow for an archaeological survey to be carried out. But there’s nothing we can do as Persimmon acquired the site for building when such conditions did not exist.” Humber Archaeology have received a number of calls from local residents expressing concern that the site’s archaeology and historical artifacts are likely to be lost, and local councillors are calling on English Heritage for an investigation.
In response to local concern, Persimmon Homes have stated that an archaeological investigation had been carried out on behalf of Hull City Council, who had been advised that a full archaeological survey was unnecessary.
Source: Hull Daily Mail (21 June 2003)
