Carnasserie Rock Art Excavation 2023
The Fieldwork
The excavations took place over two weeks in September 2023. It was decided beforehand that each site would be investigated with two trenches. To begin the process, we laid out the trench boundaries and removed the turf from the surface. As the soil below was revealed, we began using trowels. When working close to the rocks, we used plastic and wooden tools to avoid leaving scratch marks.
Above: Dr Aaron Watson introduces the sites
Rock Art Site 1
The main trench in this location was positioned to investigate the largest and most complex cup and ring markings known at Carnasserie. Our goal was to determine whether the carvings extended beyond those visible and to understand the nature and extent of the outcrop. A smaller trench nearby explored a quarried outcrop for comparison.
Above: Site 1 in the landscape. The carvings are visible on the sloping slab in the foreground (Photo: Aaron Watson)
Above: The carvings on Site 1 revealed by low sunlight (Photo: Aaron Watson)
Rock Art Site 2
Similar to Site 1, one of the trenches here was placed to explore the extent of the prehistoric carvings and to uncover more of the outcrop on which they were situated. The second trench was located in a natural hollow immediately below the carvings, a spot that is sometimes found to be significant at similar sites.
Above: Site 2 in the landscape. There are other rock art sites on the outcrops beyond, including Site 3 (Photo: Aaron Watson)
Above: Site 2 lit by low sunlight, highlighting the cup marks and fissures (Photo: Aaron Watson)
Rock Art Site 3
The most upstanding of the outcrops required a different approach. The largest trench was set on what appeared to be a natural terrace below the steep rock face and directly beneath the carvings. The second trench was positioned high on the outcrop, between two groups of carvings.
Above: The cup marks are situated on the top of the rocky outcrop (Photo: Aaron Watson)
Who Did the Digging?
The excavation work would not have been possible without the help of 42 volunteers, primarily from the local community. At the project’s onset, everyone was introduced to the landscape and its archaeology; each day began with an overview of the ongoing findings. Since rock art sites can be sensitive, training was provided throughout for those with no previous experience in archaeology.
The project was designed to maximize opportunities for participation and included student placements, fieldwork training, and a program of educational events that engaged over one hundred schoolchildren.
There’s nothing quite like being part of a team during an archaeological excavation like this. It’s hard work but very rewarding. You never know when an unknown rock carving or artifact might be uncovered. Although the weather was often unkind, we were compensated by the stunning setting and frequent glimpses of eagles overhead.
