Findings (draft)

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 largest trench at Site 1 defined the edges of the carved outcrop and investigated fissures on and around its surface.

Above: The largest trench at Site 1 (Photo: Aaron Watson).

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. They were recorded using photogrammetry. 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.

Above: Photogrammetric model of the excavated carvings at Site displayed with a natural texture. Please click to navigate in three-dimensions (Photogrammetry: Aaron Watson)

Above: Photogrammetric model of the excavated carvings at Site, displaying with an enhanced texture to increase their clarity. Please click to navigate in three-dimensions (Photogrammetry: Aaron Watson)

We were 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, emphasising the curvature of the carving. This is clearly visible on the photogrammetric models. 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.

Several struck quartz chunks were found in fissures alongside the carving, along with two hammerstones.

Of special significance is a sherd of decorated pottery, found in a fissure close to the carvings. Preliminary analysis by Dr Alison Sheridan reveals it to be a fragment of an early Beaker, dating to between 2500 and 2200 BC.

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 second trench also revealed quartz chunks and the largest hammerstone found during the project.

Above: Photogrammetric model model of Site 2, Trench 3 (Photogrammetry: Aaron Watson)

Several quartz chunks were found.

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.

Above: The layer of stones overlying the bedrock in Trench 6, Site 3 (Photo: Aaron Watson)

Above: Trench 6, Site 3, following the removal of the stone layer and showing the angular fissure revealed to the right (Photo: Aaron Watson)

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.

Higher up on the rock, we excavated a trench between two groups of carvings; however, we did not find any artefacts or additional carvings. Photogrammetry was used to record the carvings within this trench.

Above: Three-dimensional model of the carvings in Trench 5, Site 3 (Photogrammetry: Aaron Watson)

Above: Three-dimensional model of the carvings in Trench 5, Site 3, with artificial texture to enhance visibility (Photogrammetry: Aaron Watson)

Why Excavate Rock Art?

Introducing the Sites

The Fieldwork

Video Diaries

Findings

Interpretations and Further Info