more beams, and the lake silt became harder and more friable. We then
cleared a larger area so as to exhibit the structural arrangement of
the wood-work. The reason of grouping the piles now became apparent.
The groups were placed in a somewhat zigzag fashion near the sides of
the gangway, and from each there radiated a series of horizontal beams,
the ends of which crossed each other and were kept in position by the
uprights. One group was carefully inspected. The first or lowest beam
observed was right across, the next lay lengthways and of course at
right angles to the former, then three or four spread out diagonally,
like a fan, and terminated in other groups at the opposite side of the
gangway, and lastly, one again lay lengthways. (See Plan and Sections.)
Thus each beam raised the level of the general structure the exact
height of its thickness, though large lozenge-shaped spaces remained
in the middle quite clear of any beams. The general breadth of the
portion of this unique structure examined was about 10 feet (but an
isolated pile was noticed farther out), and its thickness varied from 3
to 4 feet. A large oak plank, some 10 feet long, showing the marks of
a sharp cutting instrument by which it was formed, was found lying on
edge at its west side, and beyond the line of piles, but otherwise no
remains of a platform were seen. All the beams and stakes were made of
oak, and so thoroughly bound together that, though not a single joint,
mortise, or pin was discovered, the whole fabric was as firm as a rock.
No relics were found in any of the excavations along the line of this
gangway.
RELICS.
The remains of human industry found during the excavations of the
Lochlee Crannog, calculated to throw light on the civilisation and
social economy of its occupiers, are very abundant. They comprise
a large variety of objects, such as warlike weapons, industrial
implements, and personal ornaments, made of stone, bone, horn, wood,
metal, etc. In the following description of them I have adopted, as
perhaps the most convenient, the principle of classification suggested
by the materials of which they are composed.
I. OBJECTS MADE OF STONE.
[Illustration: Fig. 48.--Hammer-Stone (1/2).]
[Illustration: Fig. 49.--Hammer-Stone (1/2).]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account