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Cornwall Archaeological Society

32 Treverbyn Road,
Stenalees,
St. Austell,
Cornwall,
PL26 8TJ

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Cornish Archaeology

Cornish Archaeology

The principal archaeological organisation in Cornwall for 50+ years. Holds lectures, walks and events

Cornish Archaeology

2 weeks ago

Cornish Archaeology
The details of Leah Sullivan's lecture on 24 Feb, and how to access it. Plus details of the link to Henrietta's lecture last month.Very much looking forward to Leah's lecture!The next Cornish Archaeology Online lecture is to be on Tuesday 24th February beginning at 7.00pm. The lecture is to be given by Leah Sullivan and titled: Experimental determination of mèche de foret use at the Mesolithic site of Ventonteague.The purpose of this research is to develop more in-depth understandings of Mesolithic site use, through experimental archaeology and comparative use-wear analysis. Acknowledging the similarities between emerging Mesolithic site, Ventonteague in Cornwall and well-known site Star Carr in North Yorkshire. Both consisted of extremely large assemblages and recorded mèche de foret with an abundance of shale beads. In 2022 the researchers at Star Carr published a paper detailing a project where they had produced replica mèche de foret, which were then used on different contact materials found at the site. They compared the reference collection against archaeological awls and mèche de foret and were able to spatially plot those with their determined material use, against the site plan to infer concentrated areas of specific activity. This research project used Star Carr’s methods as a base for expanding our knowledge of Mesolithic sites by looking closer at Ventonteague. Surviving material at the site was limited to those of more durable construct. Predominantly, flint, soft mineral and few fragments of hazelnut. To show what organic material had likely not been preserved, multiple sources were used to theorise availability during the Mesolithic in Cornwall. Like the project at Star Carr, replica mèche de foret were created and used on a range of materials. From there, use-wear patterns were seen under the microscope, recorded and then compared against archaeological mèche de foret from Ventonteague. This comparison stage confirmed that a range of materials were in use at the site during the Mesolithic. The next stage of the project should help to find those concentrated areas of specific activity. Leah is a self-employed archaeologist with Cornwall Archaeological Unit. Her interests and experience are in field archaeology, flint analysis, experimental archaeology and archaeological illustration. To be able to listen to the lecture please use the following link for Ticket Tailor.www.tickettailor.com/events/casPlease remember to only register once, irrespective of how many of you there will be sitting in you lounge watching the lecture, thank you. You register for the link. Well worth watching Henrietta's lecture again!To be able to re-watch the lecture given by Henrietta Quinnell titled: Light from the Late Bronze Must Farm fire on life in South West, please use the link:youtu.be/-xBEKdabYiM … See MoreSee Less

Cornwall Archaeology Online – Light from the Late Bronze Must Farm fire with Henrietta Quinnell

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Cornish Archaeology

3 weeks ago

Cornish Archaeology
More about Clive Ruggles lecture, due to take place on 12 February: The connection between Stonehenge and summer solstice sunrise is well known, but decades of overspeculation, by both astronomers and archaeologists, concerning the use of the monument for observations of the sky have led many to steer well clear of the subject. In the first part of this talk I will describe what we can sensibly say about the relationship of Stonehenge to the sun, how this relates to more conventional archaeological evidence that has been uncovered in recent years, and what it might have meant to the people who built and used Stonehenge.But what about the moon? We have just passed a major lunar standstill, an event occurring every 18.6 years around which time the moon can be seen at fortnightly intervals exceptionally far to the north and south. Was this — as some have suggested — known to our prehistoric forebears and was it marked and celebrated, along with the sun and the seasons, at Stonehenge and elsewhere?I will describe some of the challenges in exploring these questions and what we can conclude with reasonable confidence about the cultural significance of the sun and moon to those who built and used Stonehenge. … See MoreSee Less
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Area Representatives

The Society includes a number of members who act as Area Representatives (ARs), in order to provide a local contact for CAS members, and for others wishing to contact the Society. An AR will normally be responsible for one or more parishes around his/her home area, and between them they cover the whole of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The AR is expected to be watchful for any occurrence within their area which might have archaeological significance, such as developments disturbing the soil or likely to have an impact on archaeological and historic sites and monuments, and to bring any such to the attention of the local professionals. The AR is also responsible for co-ordinating the Monument Watch project in their area.

To get in touch with your local AR please contact the Secretary and include the name of your parish in your message.