Findings

Carnasserie Rock Art Excavation 2023

What did we find?

Here we present an overview of the project's findings, organised by trench. Some discoveries emerged during the fieldwork, including previously unrecorded rock carvings. Others were revealed during the post-excavation process, during which the project directors and specialists further analysed artefacts, samples, photographs, drawings, and surveys to reveal additional information.

Rock Art Site 1 

The full extent of the carvings was uncovered, demonstrating how they were carefully fitted onto the rock surface and framed by a diagonal crack on either side. No previously unrecorded carvings were discovered, but we did identify a sinuous erosion feature that was integrated into some of the carvings and framed others. Several quartz chunks were found in fissures alongside the carving, along with two hammerstones.

We were particularly intrigued by an artificially ‘scalloped’ edge adjacent to the motifs, which was clearly highlighted by the photogrammetry. Based on its weathered appearance, geologist Dr. Roger Anderton considered the scalloping to be of significant antiquity, emphasizing the curvature of the carving. It appears that a substantial volume of rock was removed, possibly during prehistoric times. Interestingly, a split cobble of metamorphic rock had been placed in the cavity left behind after the removal of rock.

The smaller trench nearby revealed evidence of much more recent quarrying, likely from the post-medieval period. It appeared quite different from the sharp, angular appearance of the scalloped edge around the rock art and was made using metallic tools. The presence of quartz chunks and the largest hammerstone found during the project suggest that prehistoric activity in this area may have been disturbed.

Rock Art Site 2

The rock art at Site 2 is also quite inconspicuous. We opened a trench to explore the known concentration of markings, which included large cup marks and more unusual ovoid and elongated hollows interpreted as artificially enlarged natural features. To the existing record, we added a shallow cup and ring, a couple of partial rings, and a groove.

The freshly exposed surface highlighted how the carvings fit into a preexisting pattern of natural cracks. Numerous weathered pits were visible across the newly exposed surface. Geologist Roger Anderton explained that these pits were a result of weathering and may have influenced the placement of the carvings. Many of the cup marks appeared to be centred on these naturally eroded hollows.

In the fissures surrounding the markings, we found chunks of quartz that showed evidence of impact damage. A second trench was opened just below the carved outcrop, revealing previously unknown cup marks. Several quartz chunks were found, along with a retouched flint flake dating to the Later Neolithic period.

An accumulation of stone blocks, grouped against the edge of the higher decorated panel, was identified as being of glacial origin. Upon excavation, these blocks revealed a lens of charcoal that was carefully sampled. Archaeobotanical analysis indicated the presence of small amounts of oak, hazel, and birch, suggesting the remnants of a hearth. Radiocarbon dating of the charcoal revealed that this fire burned between 4500 and 4000 BC.

Unfortunately, neither the charcoal nor the artefacts could be definitively associated with the carvings themselves. However, they provide insight into activities that occurred in relation to this outcrop. The area was visited long before the carvings were made, when the landscape looked quite different. The presence of worked flint in the Later Neolithic suggests that people returned to this location.

Rock Art Site 3 

While the rock face beneath the carvings did not appear to have been intensively quarried, the trench at the foot of the outcrop revealed substantial evidence of post-medieval quarrying. A layer of closely set stones had been constructed on the bedrock, possibly to create a stable surface for quarry workers.

All the stones were local and included many angular flakes from the quarrying process, some bearing prominent scratch marks. This feature tells a story of relatively recent use of the location. However, among the stones, we found residual fragments of prehistoric worked quartz, suggesting earlier activity had been disturbed.

Sealed beneath the stones was a distinctive angular crevice that did not appear to be entirely natural. Geologist Roger Anderton confirmed that its edges had been enhanced, and similar to Rock Art Site 1, the alterations were highly weathered and likely ancient. Excavation of this fissure revealed pieces of orange-tinted quartz that looked different from quartz found in other trenches. They appeared to be deliberately split, and two of the pieces could be fitted back together. Subsequent analysis confirmed that these fragments were likely parts of a shattered hammerstone, dating back to the time the rock art was created. The intentional placement of worked quartz within crevices at rock art sites is a known feature that has been observed at other locations, including Torbhlaren.

Higher up on the rock, we excavated a trench between two groups of carvings; however, we did not find any artefacts or additional carvings. Between three large stones, we collected a sample of charcoal. Upon analysis, this sample revealed a mixture of oak and birch, along with fragments of carbonised hazel nutshell, indicating the remains of a probable hearth. Although the sample was not sent for radiocarbon dating, the presence of pieces of hazel nutshell suggests it could date to prehistoric times.