Artefacts
Among the artefacts projects late in 2003 was the preparation of thematic text sections for publication in the forthcoming reports on the archaeology of the Scottish Parliament site. Written with a popular audience in mind, these thematic texts addressed various aspects of everyday life as represented by the excavated artefact evidence.
A report was prepared on an artefact assemblage excavated by CFA Archaeology Ltd at Halhill Farm in East Lothian. This included a range of iron and copper alloy objects, representing evidence of metal vessel repair and recycling, along with a group of bladed implements and clothing accessories. GUARD commissioned us to prepare a report on the artefacts from Culzean Caves in Ayrshire. Finds excavated at Darnley Street, Stirling, at Cottown Old Schoolhouse, and at Wester Gatherleys, were also reported on.
During the past year, a great deal of progress has been made on the post-excavation analysis of the results of the Horse Cross excavation, including analyses of the metalworking debris, environmental remains and the large artefact assemblage. The finds include well-stratified groups of copper alloy and iron artefacts, along with stone, wood, ceramic building material, leather and glass.