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Hello Time Team community: Here is the second Dig diary entry from the Ness:

The JCB has gone; the mattocks and trowels are now in action...

The rain has also come and gone and returned – this is Orkney!

The midges have been largely absent so far...but when the wind drops the cleggs appear out of nowhere...

Anyway, trench news: Jackie has found a feature – looks like stones within a small pit – and a small sherd of prehistoric pot! She’s also found some rocks!

An old pipe has also appeared crossing the trench...Nick says it runs across the whole field apparently...so everyone is asking ‘why didn’t it show in the GPR data?’ Unfortunately, like bone, we can’t detect plastic and because the pipe is not laid in a trench, it remains ‘invisible’ to magnetic and electrical detection technique. From John Gater.

Also you might notice the FIRST find from our test pit, found by Ness team member Sigurd Towrie.

The jury is out - maybe early neolithic or Bronze Age depending the on the tang.

Either way its VERY unusual here - what do you think?

Files

Comments

Chef Tess

What a lovely leaf projectile point! What is the date range? Is it contemporary with the pottery?

TimeTeamOfficial

Thanks Nigel - our new merchandise has been specially made for the Ness site and will be available soon with limited pieces available and a brand new product!

TimeTeamOfficial

Hi Tess, some more info has been added for you - we would love your thoughts.

Mark Williams

OMG. I never thought I would say this but I am so jealous of you digging up there. Apart from it being an absolutely awesome site the thought of "soft" soil and cool conditions is what dreams are made of. Currently trowelling "concrete" on a multi period site on the South coast in very warm conditions. Can't wait to hear more as your dig progresses. Sent from a tent in Kent

Gabriele

It's all really, REALLY exciting. I've worked in Orkney briefly in the 1990es, loved the landscape and history, and will be following every one of your updates from Germany (sadly, too far for a quick visit).

TimeTeamOfficial

Thanks Mark - very different conditions in Orkney but the sun DID make an appearance today! Best of luck with your project.

Mikael Larsson

Send the picture of the arrow head to Phil, I' m sure he can tell.

TimeTeamOfficial

Orkney leaves a lasting impression! Glad to keep you in the loop.

Chef Tess

Some search results told me that red agate is found on Orkney, with outcroppings as close as Stennis. Red agate is more common on the Scottish mainland. Curious to know if the projectile was damaged, resharpened or retouched in ancient times. Perhaps further excavating will provide some more context. Was it dropped? Thrown away? Deposited? So many questions!

Julianne Ture

Is Sigurd related to the Mr Towrie who owned the farm at Sanday (Season 5, Episode 3)?

Stephanie Greene

I’m so jealous of your trenches… They always look so beautiful!! clean surfaces, straight edges, right angles… Amazing!!

Denis Oliver

I am looking forward to more updates. Happy hunting!

Jackie Leeming

On holiday in Orkney in May. Been a few times and it’s a magical place. Looking forward to what is found.

Sigurd Towrie

My uncle David. One of the many who set me on the path I follow today.

Julianne Ture

How wonderful! A full-circle moment for me; the Sanday episode is one of the first “Time Teams” I saw and was immediately hooked. Thank you for replying!