- Dept. of Environmental Science,
School of Science,
Institute of Technology Sligo,
Ash Lane,
Sligo,
Ireland
dowd.marion@itsligo.ie
- Archaeology of Caves and Caverns (Archaeospeleology), Mesolithic Archaeology, Folklore and archaeology, Archaeology of Emotion, Irish Archaeology, Spelean History (Caves and Caverns), and 24 moreFunerary Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Late Bronze Age archaeology, Neolithic Europe, Viking Studies, Funeral Practices, Votive offerings, Prehistoric Archaeology, Megalithic Monuments, Neolithic Archaeology, Prehistory, Archaeological Theory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Ireland, Radiocarbon Dating (Archaeology), Archaeology, Neolithic Britain and Ireland, Landscapes in prehistory, Memory and materiality, Landscape Archaeology, Irish/British prehistory, Archaeology of Place, Archaeology of the Contemporary Past, and Contemporary Archaeologyedit
- I am an archaeologist specialising in Irish cave archaeology, with an interest in early prehistory; sensory archaeolo... moreI am an archaeologist specialising in Irish cave archaeology, with an interest in early prehistory; sensory archaeology; folklore & archaeology; and contemporary archaeology. My BA (UCC, 1995) was in Archaeology and Léann Dúchais, but it was during my MA (UCC, 1997) that I discovered the world of caves. This led to doctoral research entitled ‘Caves: sacred places on the Irish landscape’ (UCC, 2004).
I have been permanent Lecturer in Prehistoric Archaeology at IT Sligo since 2005 where I teach the following modules: Introduction to Irish Archaeology; Mesolithic Ireland and Europe; and Iron Age Ireland and Europe. I also supervise a number of MSc and PhD candidates on subjects as varied as caves and predictive modelling, to Bronze Age amber, to stone beads from passage tombs, to the early medieval vallum. From 2019 I will be co-directing the IT Sligo Applied Archaeology archaeological training excavation with Dr James Bonsall.
I have over 20 years excavation experience on sites from all archaeological periods, and I gained valuable experience in the commercial archaeology sector working for Eachtra Archaeological Projects in counties Cork and Kerry over several years. I have been a licensed archaeologist since 2001 and almost all the excavations I have directed since then are underground. These include Glencurran Cave and Moneen Cave – both in the Burren, Co. Clare – and both sites with Bronze Age ritual activities as well as medieval horizons. Other sites include Dunmore Cave, Co. Kilkenny (early medieval human remains) and Knocknarea Cave K, Co. Sligo (Neolithic excarnation site). More recently I directed the excavation of a Middle Neolithic mortuary site in Bengorm Mountain, Co. Mayo.
The majority of my publications relate to caves. My first book, "The archaeology of caves in Ireland" (Oxbow Books, 2015), won the Current Archaeology Book of the Year 2016. It also won the Tratman Award 2015 for the best cave-related publication from Britain or Ireland. A second book, co-edited with Robert Hensey, "The archaeology of darkness" (Oxbow Books, 2016), explores human interactions with darkness through time. I have also edited a series of specialist studies on archaeological material from caves: "Underground archaeology: studies on human bones and artefacts from Ireland's caves" (Oxbow Books, 2016). "Archaeological excavations in Moneen Cave, the Burren, Co. Clare: insights into Bronze Age and post-medieval life in the west of Ireland" (Archaeopress, 2016) is my first excavation monograph. In 2018, "Caves and ritual in medieval Europe, AD 500-1500", which I co-edited together with Knut Andreas Bergsvik, was published by Oxbow Books. Numerous other papers and book chapters focus on aspects of cave archaeology, as well as bringing to full publication excavations I have directed.
Recent research has also focused on the reuse of prehistoric artefacts in the popular magic and medicine of 18th-20th century Ireland: "Bewitched by an elf-dart" was published in Cambridge Archaeology Journal in 2018. I have also delved into the appropriation of caves and archaeological monuments as hideouts during the Irish War of Independence, and contributed to UCC's multiple award-winning "Atlas of the Irish Revolution".
Over the past two decades I have been fortunate to receive funding to pursue research on Irish caves from the Irish Research Council; the Royal Irish Academy; the National Monuments Service; the Heritage Council; and IT Sligo. I am a full member of the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland (IAI), the Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI), and the Irish Quaternary Association (IQUA).
Current writing and research projects include papers on the interplay between caves and megalithic tombs, and mortuary processing and excarnation in Neolithic Ireland. I am also working on a monograph on the excavations at Glencurran Cave, Co. Clare.edit
Monograph of the 2011 archaeological excavations in Moneen Cave, Co. Clare during which material indicative of Bronze Age votive deposition was discovered. In addition, the skeleton of a teenage boy who appears to have died in the cave in... more
Monograph of the 2011 archaeological excavations in Moneen Cave, Co. Clare during which material indicative of Bronze Age votive deposition was discovered. In addition, the skeleton of a teenage boy who appears to have died in the cave in post-medieval times, was recovered.
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This ground-breaking and unique study explores the enigmatic, unseen and dark silent world of caves. People have engaged with caves for the duration of human occupation of the island, spanning 10,000 years. In prehistory, subterranean... more
This ground-breaking and unique study explores the enigmatic, unseen and dark silent world of caves. People have engaged with caves for the duration of human occupation of the island, spanning 10,000 years. In prehistory, subterranean landscapes were associated with the dead and the spirit world, with evidence for burials, funerary rituals and votive deposition. The advent of Christianity saw the adaptation of caves as homes and places of storage, yet they also continued to feature in religious practice. Medieval mythology and modern folklore indicate that caves were considered places of the supernatural, being particularly associated with otherworldly women. Through a combination of archaeology, mythology and popular religion, this book takes the reader on a fascinating journey that sheds new light on a hitherto neglected area of research. It encourages us to consider what underground activities might reveal about the lives lived aboveground, and leaves us in no doubt as to the cultural significance of caves in the past.
Nominated for Current Archaeology BOOK OF THE YEAR 2016
http://www.oxbowbooks.com/oxbow/the-archaeology-of-caves-in-ireland.html
Nominated for Current Archaeology BOOK OF THE YEAR 2016
http://www.oxbowbooks.com/oxbow/the-archaeology-of-caves-in-ireland.html
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The purpose of this book is to draw together studies from across Europe that explore the use of caves and rockshelters for ritual and religious activities during the earlier Medieval period, from approximately 400 AD to 1200 AD. While... more
The purpose of this book is to draw together studies from across Europe that explore the use of caves and rockshelters for ritual and religious activities during the earlier Medieval period, from approximately 400 AD to 1200 AD. While Christianity was widespread and firmly established in most of Europe at this time, there is increasing evidence that caves were foci of ritual expression. Some rituals were Christian while others were non-Christian (e.g. Viking) while others still were associated with localised popular religious practices. The archaeological evidence reveals a range of activities including burial, ritualised metal working, votive deposition, ritual retreat, veneration and places of pilgrimage.
Many questions can be asked of the material. What can be said of those who utilised caves for religious purposes in terms of social status, ethnicity, or gender? What was the role of caves in popular versus formal religion? Were there differences between how local populations and immigrants perceived caves? Was there a correlation between cave morphology or location and specific ritual activities? How were caves perceived by Medieval people? What emotional responses did caves evoke?
This book has developed from a 2013 EAA conference session organised by Knut Andreas Bergsvik and Marion Dowd entitled 'Caves and rock shelters in Early Medieval Europe (400-1200 AD)'. The book is a work in progress.
Many questions can be asked of the material. What can be said of those who utilised caves for religious purposes in terms of social status, ethnicity, or gender? What was the role of caves in popular versus formal religion? Were there differences between how local populations and immigrants perceived caves? Was there a correlation between cave morphology or location and specific ritual activities? How were caves perceived by Medieval people? What emotional responses did caves evoke?
This book has developed from a 2013 EAA conference session organised by Knut Andreas Bergsvik and Marion Dowd entitled 'Caves and rock shelters in Early Medieval Europe (400-1200 AD)'. The book is a work in progress.
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The 15 expert contributions presented here shine a light on the use and perception of caves at different times in the past, from the Early Mesolithic through to post-medieval times. The book opens with osteoarchaeological analyses of... more
The 15 expert contributions presented here shine a light on the use and perception of caves at different times in the past, from the Early Mesolithic through to post-medieval times.
The book opens with osteoarchaeological analyses of human bones from 24 caves, revealing complex and varied funerary practices and rituals. Shell beads and animal tooth pendants provide insight into the status of those whose skeletal remains were placed in caves. Studies on lithics, stone axes and prehistoric pottery highlight the changing roles of caves as places for shelter, occupation, burial and ritual practices during the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age. An examination of the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age metalwork contributes to wider evidence of votive deposition at natural places in the landscape. Several chapters focus on the wealth of early medieval and Viking-age activities, drawing on pottery assemblages from caves along the north coast, to ecclesiastical shrine fragments from sites in the south, as well as Viking material from a growing number of caves.
These studies will be of interest to osteoarchaeologists; to those who specialise in particular archaeological periods; to museumologists and artefact specialists; to cave archaeologists; and to everyone interested in Ireland’s past.
PART I: HUMAN REMAINS
1. Osteoarchaeological analysis of human skeletal remains from 23 Irish caves
Linda Fibiger
2. Osteoarchaeological analysis of human skeletal remains from Dunmore Cave, Co. Kilkenny
Linda G. Lynch
PART II: ARTEFACT ASSEMBLAGES
3. Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age lithics from Irish caves
Peter C. Woodman
4. Neolithic and Bronze Age pottery from Irish caves
Helen Roche
5. Polished stone axeheads from Irish caves
Stephen Mandal, Emmett O’Keeffe and Gabriel Cooney
6. Prehistoric perforated marine shells from Irish caves
Rory Connolly
7. Prehistoric perforated and worked animal teeth from Irish caves
Fiona Beglane
8. Late Bronze Age and Iron Age metalwork from Irish caves
Katharina Becker
9. Early medieval and medieval pottery from sea caves along the Antrim coast
Alison Kyle
10. Early medieval shrine fragments from Park North Cave, Co. Cork and Kilgreany Cave, Co. Waterford
Griffin Murray
11. Viking-age artefacts from Irish caves
John Sheehan
PART III: SITE-SPECIFIC ARTEFACT REPORTS
12. Stone rings from Robber’s Den, Co. Clare
Alison Sheridan
13. Medieval pottery from Carrigmurrish Cave, Co. Waterford
Clare McCutcheon
14. Late seventeenth century material from Kilgreany Cave, Co. Waterford
Clare McCutcheon
15. Coarse stone objects from Ballynamintra Cave, Co. Waterford
Stephen Mandal
The book opens with osteoarchaeological analyses of human bones from 24 caves, revealing complex and varied funerary practices and rituals. Shell beads and animal tooth pendants provide insight into the status of those whose skeletal remains were placed in caves. Studies on lithics, stone axes and prehistoric pottery highlight the changing roles of caves as places for shelter, occupation, burial and ritual practices during the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age. An examination of the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age metalwork contributes to wider evidence of votive deposition at natural places in the landscape. Several chapters focus on the wealth of early medieval and Viking-age activities, drawing on pottery assemblages from caves along the north coast, to ecclesiastical shrine fragments from sites in the south, as well as Viking material from a growing number of caves.
These studies will be of interest to osteoarchaeologists; to those who specialise in particular archaeological periods; to museumologists and artefact specialists; to cave archaeologists; and to everyone interested in Ireland’s past.
PART I: HUMAN REMAINS
1. Osteoarchaeological analysis of human skeletal remains from 23 Irish caves
Linda Fibiger
2. Osteoarchaeological analysis of human skeletal remains from Dunmore Cave, Co. Kilkenny
Linda G. Lynch
PART II: ARTEFACT ASSEMBLAGES
3. Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age lithics from Irish caves
Peter C. Woodman
4. Neolithic and Bronze Age pottery from Irish caves
Helen Roche
5. Polished stone axeheads from Irish caves
Stephen Mandal, Emmett O’Keeffe and Gabriel Cooney
6. Prehistoric perforated marine shells from Irish caves
Rory Connolly
7. Prehistoric perforated and worked animal teeth from Irish caves
Fiona Beglane
8. Late Bronze Age and Iron Age metalwork from Irish caves
Katharina Becker
9. Early medieval and medieval pottery from sea caves along the Antrim coast
Alison Kyle
10. Early medieval shrine fragments from Park North Cave, Co. Cork and Kilgreany Cave, Co. Waterford
Griffin Murray
11. Viking-age artefacts from Irish caves
John Sheehan
PART III: SITE-SPECIFIC ARTEFACT REPORTS
12. Stone rings from Robber’s Den, Co. Clare
Alison Sheridan
13. Medieval pottery from Carrigmurrish Cave, Co. Waterford
Clare McCutcheon
14. Late seventeenth century material from Kilgreany Cave, Co. Waterford
Clare McCutcheon
15. Coarse stone objects from Ballynamintra Cave, Co. Waterford
Stephen Mandal
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Through time people have repeatedly sought out enclosed dark spaces in which to carry out particular activities ranging from ritual retreat and initiation ceremonies to votive deposition and burial. This desire to seek out and spend time... more
Through time people have repeatedly sought out enclosed dark spaces in which to carry out particular activities ranging from ritual retreat and initiation ceremonies to votive deposition and burial. This desire to seek out and spend time in places of absolute darkness forms the focus of this book, exploring why people have required these dark silent spaces, and how such environments can affect people physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
What was the role of dark places in the life of a community? Were there associations with solitude, transformation, sanctuary, regeneration, or death? How did interactions between people and darkness affect the individual and how s/he was regarded by the rest of the community? And how did this interaction transform places in the landscape? The Archaeology of Darkness will explore Palaeolithic use of deep caves in Europe and the placement of art; how the orientation of mortuary monuments in the Neolithic and Bronze Age changed from a focus on the rising to the setting sun; how the senses are affected in caves and monuments that were used for ritual activities; the experiences of Bronze Age miners who worked in dangerous subterranean settings; journeying deep inside caves in Late Bronze Age Ireland; the interplay between darkness and light from a Christian monastic perspective; a caver’s experience of spending long periods underground; and darkness as represented in folklore and mythology. See also: http://www.archaeologyofdarkness.com/p/abstracts_7.html
What was the role of dark places in the life of a community? Were there associations with solitude, transformation, sanctuary, regeneration, or death? How did interactions between people and darkness affect the individual and how s/he was regarded by the rest of the community? And how did this interaction transform places in the landscape? The Archaeology of Darkness will explore Palaeolithic use of deep caves in Europe and the placement of art; how the orientation of mortuary monuments in the Neolithic and Bronze Age changed from a focus on the rising to the setting sun; how the senses are affected in caves and monuments that were used for ritual activities; the experiences of Bronze Age miners who worked in dangerous subterranean settings; journeying deep inside caves in Late Bronze Age Ireland; the interplay between darkness and light from a Christian monastic perspective; a caver’s experience of spending long periods underground; and darkness as represented in folklore and mythology. See also: http://www.archaeologyofdarkness.com/p/abstracts_7.html
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In Ireland the supernatural sí (loosely translated as ‘fairies’) were strongly associated with thousands of archaeological monuments and natural places in the landscape, and many prehistoric artefacts were regarded as material culture of... more
In Ireland the supernatural sí (loosely translated as ‘fairies’) were strongly associated with thousands of archaeological monuments and natural places in the landscape, and many prehistoric artefacts were regarded as material culture of the sí. Such artefacts assumed an important role in popular religious practices, folk medicine and magic, most frequently to invoke cures for farm animals, but also to protect the homestead. Though little discussed in archaeological literature, the interpretation of prehistoric artefacts as potent objects from the supernatural world, and their ability actively to influence the well-being of livestock and the household, illustrates the rich and complex lives many archaeological artefacts assumed several thousand years after their initial manufacture, use and discard. The folk use of such artefacts as active agencies contrasts with the contemporaneous antiquarian collection and display of archaeological material as relics of ancient cultures.
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Archaeological excavations at Killuragh Cave, Co. Limerick in 1993 and 1996 followed from the discovery of prehistoric material in the 1990s by the landowner, Mr. Benny O’Neill. Though a small and relatively inconspicuous site, Killuragh... more
Archaeological excavations at Killuragh Cave, Co. Limerick in 1993 and 1996 followed from the discovery of prehistoric material in the 1990s by the landowner, Mr. Benny O’Neill. Though a small and relatively inconspicuous site, Killuragh Cave has a long history of animal and human usage potentially stretching back 11,000 years and continuing intermittently until the 19th century. The assemblage of 10,615 animal bones, 229 human bones, and 209 artefacts of Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, post-medieval and modern date indicate that this was a persistent place in the landscape. The prehistoric material largely suggests that the cave was associated with ritual and funerary activities, hinting that it may have been remembered and its significance transmitted from generation to generation over several millennia.
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The Carrowkeel complex represents one of the four main groups of passage tombs in Ireland. Although less well known than its counterpart in the Boyne Valley, new discoveries in recent years have renewed interest in this internationally... more
The Carrowkeel complex represents one of the four main groups of passage tombs in Ireland. Although less well known than its counterpart in the Boyne Valley, new discoveries in recent years have renewed interest in this internationally significant yet under-investigated site. This paper reviews the 1911 excavation of passage tombs at Carrowkeel and presents new research and discoveries that have been made since. New dates (from a radiocarbon dating project undertaken by the authors) which demonstrate activity within the complex towards the end of the fourth millennium BC are discussed. The authors consider the significance of the recently discovered passage tomb art within the complex, and outline the prospects for future research there, particularly with regard to human bone assemblage from the 1911 excavations.
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Report on the excavation of three Bronze Age pits, probably pits related to a fulacht fiadh, that were discovered during commercial archaeological monitoring.
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Overview of the use of caves in Ireland for funerary practise during the Neolithic. Evidence of cave use for burial, excarnation and votive deposition.
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Report on the results of archaeological monitoring and excavation at Dunmore Cave which resulted in the recovery of human remains, animal bones, Viking glass beads and ringed pins. The first radiocarbon dates on human bone from the site... more
Report on the results of archaeological monitoring and excavation at Dunmore Cave which resulted in the recovery of human remains, animal bones, Viking glass beads and ringed pins. The first radiocarbon dates on human bone from the site were obtained, indicating Early Medieval / Viking activities.
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Description and discussion of the excavation of a Medieval shaft furnace associated with iron working at Farranastack, Co. Kerry in the south-west of Ireland.
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A re-assessment of the 1928 and 1934 excavations of this important cave in the south-east of Ireland. Use of cave for burial in the Neolithic; funerary/ritual activities in the Bronze Age; and settlement in the Early Medieval period.... more
A re-assessment of the 1928 and 1934 excavations of this important cave in the south-east of Ireland. Use of cave for burial in the Neolithic; funerary/ritual activities in the Bronze Age; and settlement in the Early Medieval period. Includes catalogue of artefacts recovered.
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Caves played an active role in the lives and cultural landscapes of communities and individuals in Early Medieval Ireland. This chapter explores the manner in which certain caves became places where early Irish saints were commemorated... more
Caves played an active role in the lives and cultural landscapes of communities and individuals in Early Medieval Ireland. This chapter explores the manner in which certain caves became places where early Irish saints were commemorated and celebrated from the advent of Christianity in the early fifth century through to the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in 1169. Manning (2005) was the first to document the corpus of Irish caves associated with saints, and the topic has also been explored by Dowd (2004, 2015). This present article expands on previous work, both in terms of the number of sites involved and the discussion around this specific site type. Many early Christian eremitics across Europe and the deserts of North Africa used caves as places of solitary prayer, religious contemplation and a retreat from daily life. In Ireland, a significant number of caves are associated with Christian saints, monasteries and religious foundations, though when such associations originated is often unclear. A small number of Early Medieval documentary sources attest to a relationship – real or perceived – between caves and saints, where caves were believed to have acted as places of spiritual retreat, contemplation and penitence for a saint, ultimately allowing him to come into closer contact with God. Other caves were incorporated into Early Medieval monastic complexes and it is reasonable to infer that these were also perceived as sacred places. It is likely that certain other caves, linked to saintly figures in Medieval and post-Medieval Ireland, may represent continuations of much earlier traditions.
Research Interests: Medieval History, Medieval Studies, Cult of Saints, Early Medieval Archaeology, Saints' Cults, and 10 moreEarly Medieval History, Medieval Archaeology, History of Religion (Medieval Studies), Irish Archaeology, Cave and Karst Studies, Caves, Medieval saints, Saints, Mediaeval Cult of Relics and Saints, and Caves Médiévales
This paper explores the evidence from caves located in remote parts of the Irish landscape that were used as hideaways for men, and to stash arms, during the War of Independence and, to a lesser extent, the Civil War.
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An overview of beards, their significance and various meanings for past societies.
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Excavations in Glencurran Cave, in the west of Ireland, between 2004 and 2008 revealed use of the site for votive deposition during the Late Bronze Age with the placement of disarticulated human bones (emphasis on clavicles), newborn... more
Excavations in Glencurran Cave, in the west of Ireland, between 2004 and 2008 revealed use of the site for votive deposition during the Late Bronze Age with the placement of disarticulated human bones (emphasis on clavicles), newborn domesticates, amber beads and shell beads at the back of the cave.
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Souterrains are one of the mostly widely recognised early medieval monuments in Ireland with approximately 3,500 recorded. A fine example in Cooldrumman Upper townland, in the shadows of Benbulben Mountain, Co. Sligo, has never been... more
Souterrains are one of the mostly widely recognised early medieval monuments in Ireland with approximately 3,500 recorded. A fine example in Cooldrumman Upper townland, in the shadows of Benbulben Mountain, Co. Sligo, has never been archaeologically inspected or surveyed. We became interested in the site because locally it is known to have been used as an IRA hideout during the War of Independence. Here we present a survey of the site, describe debris scattered about the interior, and document other archaeological sites that were reinvented and reused during the War of Independence.
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This paper describes two natural caves within the Blarney Castle complex, one of which was incorporated into an early 17th century gun turret, and examines the association between caves and medieval castles elsewhere in Ireland.
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Research Interests: Medieval History, Archaeology of Childhood, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Medieval Europe, Bronze Age Archaeology, and 7 moreBronze Age Ireland (Prehistoric Archaeology), Late Bronze Age archaeology, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Bronze Age, Cave and Karst Studies, Archaeology of children and childhood, and Burren
An account of the 2011 excavations at Moneen Cave in the Burren, Co. Clare which developed after cavers discovered an Early Bronze Age antler hammerhead and Middle-Late Bronze Age pottery. The archaeological excavation revealed further... more
An account of the 2011 excavations at Moneen Cave in the Burren, Co. Clare which developed after cavers discovered an Early Bronze Age antler hammerhead and Middle-Late Bronze Age pottery. The archaeological excavation revealed further pottery, butchered animal bones, and oyster shells. Bronze Age radiocarbon dates were obtained for oyster shell, cattle bones and a piece of unmodified antler. The remains of an adolescent male of Late Medieval date were also discovered.
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Report on a souterrain-type structure discovered by cavers in Creevy Cave, Co. Monaghan which led to a survey of the site and recovery of post-medieval pottery and documentation of structural features.
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Summary of caves of archaeological significance in county Cork.
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'Advice to the Public on the archaeological potential of caves' is aimed at increasing awareness of the archaeological potential of caves and outlines best practice in reporting of archaeological discoveries. It is intended as a... more
'Advice to the Public on the archaeological potential of caves' is aimed at increasing awareness of the archaeological potential of caves and outlines best practice in reporting of archaeological discoveries. It is intended as a practical guide aimed at those who have a specialist interest in caves, as well as for the general public. This advice leaflet is a joint initiative between the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) and the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) in collaboration with the Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI). Dr. Marion Dowd, School of Science, I. T. Sligo is gratefully acknowledged for her input and overall contribution to the compilation of this document. Cover design is by Conor McHale.
The leaflet can now be downloaded from: http://bit.ly/1vLnfNX.
Hard copies of the leaflet are available upon request by emailing: nationalmonuments@ahg.gov.ie
The leaflet can now be downloaded from: http://bit.ly/1vLnfNX.
Hard copies of the leaflet are available upon request by emailing: nationalmonuments@ahg.gov.ie
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Preliminary results of excavations of multi-period cave site in the west of Ireland. Site with evidence of Bronze Age votive deposition, Early Medieval occupation, and a Viking necklace of glass beads.
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Overview of a project which involved modern osteological analysis of human bones recovered in caves through non-archaeological investigations. Reference to new evidence of Neolithic violence.
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Account of the re-discovery of the original field notebooks of Col. R.W. Forsayeth related to his excavations of Brothers' Cave and Oonaglour Cave, Co. Waterford, in the south-east of Ireland. The ten notebooks cover the excavation period... more
Account of the re-discovery of the original field notebooks of Col. R.W. Forsayeth related to his excavations of Brothers' Cave and Oonaglour Cave, Co. Waterford, in the south-east of Ireland. The ten notebooks cover the excavation period 1906-1914 documenting the recovery of hundreds of artefacts, and a substantial quantity of human and animal bones. Much of the material was subsequently lost, making the notebooks and associated illustrations especially important. Material from the caves includes Neolithic human bones, a Late Bronze Age hoard, and Early Medieval domestic debris.
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Overview of Irish cave archaeology as it was in 2001.