I've always been interested in archaeology. I obtained permission to access the site of the Drumclay Crannog dig on the outskirts of Enniskillen to spend a day drawing the excavation in progress. I followed up with a trip to the museum to view some of the finds.
The crannóg, an artificial island, was occupied from the 7th to the 16th centuries.
As the island sank into the lake silt, each successive layer was collapsed to raise the platform and new dwellings constructed atop leading to a long record of occupation.
An access route to one of the dwellings.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 29 x 21cm.
The temporary boardwalks.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 29 x 21cm.
Every piece of timber is recorded.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 29 x 21cm.
The museum in Enniskillen has had a small display of some of the 6,000 objects found a the crannóg. This object was manufactured from bone for use with textiles.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 21 x 29cm.
Posts reveal themselves as the dig proceeds.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 29 x 21cm.
Reaching the earlier occupation rectangular dwellings begin to reveal themselves.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 21 x 29cm.
A pin on display in the museum.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 29 x 21cm.
Broken bucket of labelled timbers on their way for dating.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 29 x 21cm.
Untitled, 2013, Pen on Paper, 29 x 21cm.
Labelled Timbers.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 21 x 21cm.
Another pin on display in the museum.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 21 x 29cm.
Layer upon layer of indiscernible wood.
Untitled, 2013, Pen on Paper, 21 x 29cm.
A really beautiful comb on display at the museum. Look at the two animal heads. Versions of cross hatching and chevrons were a feature of Irish combs.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 15 x 15cm.
The whole crannóg being covered over in tarpaulin at the end of the day.
Untitled, 2013, Pencil on Paper, 21 x 29cm.
Thanks to all on the site for allowing me to spend a memorable day.