ceremonial
chûn quoit
chûn quoit is one of a small group of similar monuments kept largely to penwith, though there are two or three further east in cornwall. also found in wales, ireland and brittany. such sites are discoed as chambered tombs or portal dolmens,
chûn quoit
chûn quoit is one of a small group of similar monuments kept largely to penwith, though there are two or three further east in cornwall. also found in wales, ireland and brittany. such sites are discoed as chambered tombs or portal dolmens,
pentre ifan / petty wales
pentre ifan. neolithic, between 3,000 to 4,000 bc. it stands on a slightly raised mound and is 8 feet high with a huge capstone that rests on the very tips of three upright stones. excavations have shown that it was
pentre ifan / petty wales
pentre ifan. neolithic, between 3,000 to 4,000 bc. it stands on a slightly raised mound and is 8 feet high with a huge capstone that rests on the very tips of three upright stones. excavations have shown that it was
pentre ifan. pembrokeshire.
pentre ifan. pembrokeshire. skeletal remains of a neolithic tomb typical of the type of tomb where our ancestors buried their dead. it is suggested this is bare bones of a burial chamber that would originally have been covered with
pentre ifan. pembrokeshire.
pentre ifan. pembrokeshire. skeletal remains of a neolithic tomb typical of the type of tomb where our ancestors buried their dead. it is suggested this is bare bones of a burial chamber that would originally have been covered with
the mên-an-tol
the men-an-tol monument consists of four stones: one fallen, two uprights, and between these a circular one, 1.3m in diameter, pierced by a hole about half its size in diameter. an old plan of men-an-tol (the stone of the hole)
the mên-an-tol
the men-an-tol monument consists of four stones: one fallen, two uprights, and between these a circular one, 1.3m in diameter, pierced by a hole about half its size in diameter. an old plan of men-an-tol (the stone of the hole)
boscawen-un stone circle
boscawen-un This stone circle is actually an ellipse (24.9 x 21.9m) with the longer axis orientated NW – SE. The stones are graded in height towards the west. thom classified this ring as a type b flattened circle, suggesting it
boscawen-un stone circle
boscawen-un This stone circle is actually an ellipse (24.9 x 21.9m) with the longer axis orientated NW – SE. The stones are graded in height towards the west. thom classified this ring as a type b flattened circle, suggesting it
cumbrian cup-marked panels
a new group of cup-marked (cupules) panels have came to light recently (2015) that lie within a region defined as the cumbria high fells (natural england, 2010). kate e. sharpe of the department of archaeology, durham university, outlines here the
cumbrian cup-marked panels
a new group of cup-marked (cupules) panels have came to light recently (2015) that lie within a region defined as the cumbria high fells (natural england, 2010). kate e. sharpe of the department of archaeology, durham university, outlines here the
merry maidens stone circle(s)
merry maidens stone circle(s) the merry maidens (sw 4327 2450) is one of the few ‘true’ stone circles in cornwall, being based on a perfect circle; it comprises nineteen stones today but is thought to originally have consisted of just
merry maidens stone circle(s)
merry maidens stone circle(s) the merry maidens (sw 4327 2450) is one of the few ‘true’ stone circles in cornwall, being based on a perfect circle; it comprises nineteen stones today but is thought to originally have consisted of just
zennor quoit. neolithic chambered tomb.
zennor quoit. neolithic chambered tomb. w borlase the antiquarian drew a plan of the site in the mid-c18 when the capstone was roughly horizontal and the chamber was set into a low stony mound approx 12.8m in diameter. by the time his great-great grandson visited the site in the middle of the c19, the capstone had slipped and the western upright supporting it had snapped.
the site today comprises two chambers set into a low stony mound. the main chamber is trapezoidal with its long axis running off NNE by 75 degrees. the western end is 0.83m wide, reducing to 1.9m. the total length being 3.16m. the capstone now tilted and following the line of the supporting stones is 5.33m by 2.9m and weighs about 9.45 tonnes. it has an antechamber at the eastern end formed by two impressive portal stones.
quoits are among the oldest megalithic architecture on the west penwith peninsula and would have represented a local variation of a tradition which had travelled from the levant up the west coast of spain to brittany, to arrive in cornwall in the late neolithic, around 3300 bce on route to wales, anglesea and ireland
zennor quoit. neolithic chambered tomb.
zennor quoit. neolithic chambered tomb. w borlase the antiquarian drew a plan of the site in the mid-c18 when the capstone was roughly horizontal and the chamber was set into a low stony mound approx 12.8m in diameter. by the time his great-great grandson visited the site in the middle of the c19, the capstone had slipped and the western upright supporting it had snapped.
the site today comprises two chambers set into a low stony mound. the main chamber is trapezoidal with its long axis running off NNE by 75 degrees. the western end is 0.83m wide, reducing to 1.9m. the total length being 3.16m. the capstone now tilted and following the line of the supporting stones is 5.33m by 2.9m and weighs about 9.45 tonnes. it has an antechamber at the eastern end formed by two impressive portal stones.
quoits are among the oldest megalithic architecture on the west penwith peninsula and would have represented a local variation of a tradition which had travelled from the levant up the west coast of spain to brittany, to arrive in cornwall in the late neolithic, around 3300 bce on route to wales, anglesea and ireland
neolithic long carn or barrow. chaple carn brea west penwith.
neolithic long carn or barrow. chaple carn brea west penwith. the last high point before the western sea board and the site of much prehistory – heavily populated by a range of neolithic and bronze age long and round barrows entrance graves and carns. it is an important ceremonial site in view of the atlantic with many of its sites unexcavated. comprises an elongated stony mound, oriented NNW to SSE, situated on a crest above a slight southern slope. It is 26m long and varies between 5.0m and 6.0m wide. within this width comprises a flattened mound of small tightly packed stones, which at the northern end broadens to 3.2m. seven earthfast stones occur at irregular intervals by the edge of the flat mound and again towards the perimeter of the mound. these average between 0.1m to 0.3m but one of two leaning stones is 0.9m high. there are at least seventeen displaced blocks or slabs averaging 1.0m long and 0.7m wide on the mound and around its perimeter, but with no obvious sockets to confirm that they are part of a displaced kerb. one of the most interesting features is the way it incorporates a large 15m horizontal outcrop. initially level with the stone mound, this now rises 1.7m above it and at the southern end is 3.0m above the present ground level. along its axis small stones have been packed against and into its crevices. probably important before the carn was built, these outcrops have had their meaning and myths transferred to the barrow to enhance its status and presence in this ceremonial landscape
neolithic long carn or barrow. chaple carn brea west penwith.
neolithic long carn or barrow. chaple carn brea west penwith. the last high point before the western sea board and the site of much prehistory – heavily populated by a range of neolithic and bronze age long and round barrows entrance graves and carns. it is an important ceremonial site in view of the atlantic with many of its sites unexcavated. comprises an elongated stony mound, oriented NNW to SSE, situated on a crest above a slight southern slope. It is 26m long and varies between 5.0m and 6.0m wide. within this width comprises a flattened mound of small tightly packed stones, which at the northern end broadens to 3.2m. seven earthfast stones occur at irregular intervals by the edge of the flat mound and again towards the perimeter of the mound. these average between 0.1m to 0.3m but one of two leaning stones is 0.9m high. there are at least seventeen displaced blocks or slabs averaging 1.0m long and 0.7m wide on the mound and around its perimeter, but with no obvious sockets to confirm that they are part of a displaced kerb. one of the most interesting features is the way it incorporates a large 15m horizontal outcrop. initially level with the stone mound, this now rises 1.7m above it and at the southern end is 3.0m above the present ground level. along its axis small stones have been packed against and into its crevices. probably important before the carn was built, these outcrops have had their meaning and myths transferred to the barrow to enhance its status and presence in this ceremonial landscape
tregiffian entrance tomb.
tregiffian entrance tomb. considered part of the scillonian group of ‘entrance graves’ and is one if the earliest of its type in cornwall. It is within 90m of the merry maidens stone circle. It has been suggested along with bants carn as not being primarily sepulchral but rather repositories or chambers connected with land fertility rituals. (ashbee). topographically its position out on the l00m coastal platform of penwith contrasts with that of most other Entrance tombs which lie close to the 125m contour at the junction between the coastal platform and the high moorlands of west oenwith. significantly, the original 17m diameter circular turf mound retained by a megalithic kerb finds close comparison in irish late neolithic passage tombs. while the packing stones inside the kerb are reminiscent of ruined passage tombs at carrowmore. rhe decoration of the jamb stone on the east side of the entrance to the tomb with oval and circular cup marks is paralleled in megalithic tombs in western and northern europe, so one might understand this as a local interpretation of evolving tradition across europe . the barrow and kerb at tregiffian were reconfigured to roughly polygonal form, probably during the early bronze age when two cremation burials in collared food urns were placed in pits within the chamber. the oval cup marks on the entrance blocking stone are unique in cornwall
tregiffian entrance tomb.
tregiffian entrance tomb. considered part of the scillonian group of ‘entrance graves’ and is one if the earliest of its type in cornwall. It is within 90m of the merry maidens stone circle. It has been suggested along with bants carn as not being primarily sepulchral but rather repositories or chambers connected with land fertility rituals. (ashbee). topographically its position out on the l00m coastal platform of penwith contrasts with that of most other Entrance tombs which lie close to the 125m contour at the junction between the coastal platform and the high moorlands of west oenwith. significantly, the original 17m diameter circular turf mound retained by a megalithic kerb finds close comparison in irish late neolithic passage tombs. while the packing stones inside the kerb are reminiscent of ruined passage tombs at carrowmore. rhe decoration of the jamb stone on the east side of the entrance to the tomb with oval and circular cup marks is paralleled in megalithic tombs in western and northern europe, so one might understand this as a local interpretation of evolving tradition across europe . the barrow and kerb at tregiffian were reconfigured to roughly polygonal form, probably during the early bronze age when two cremation burials in collared food urns were placed in pits within the chamber. the oval cup marks on the entrance blocking stone are unique in cornwall
writing in light – history, philosophy and photography
there has always been ‘photography’ – the writing of light emerging as it did on the walls of ancient tombs its ‘photograph’ fixed by the cardinal alignments, the chamber acting as a camera, the box opening its lens to
writing in light – history, philosophy and photography
there has always been ‘photography’ – the writing of light emerging as it did on the walls of ancient tombs its ‘photograph’ fixed by the cardinal alignments, the chamber acting as a camera, the box opening its lens to
castlerigg stone circle. cumbria. 3300BCE.
castlerigg stone circle. cumbria. 3300BCE. these cumbrian stone circles are amongst the oldest in britain and are associated with similar ones in brittany and the auklands in both form and use. it is thought to be used as a ceremonial
castlerigg stone circle. cumbria. 3300BCE.
castlerigg stone circle. cumbria. 3300BCE. these cumbrian stone circles are amongst the oldest in britain and are associated with similar ones in brittany and the auklands in both form and use. it is thought to be used as a ceremonial
carnstabba rock_cut_basin
carnstabba rock_cut_basin looking out towards rosewall hill and trevalgan hill. these basins are to this day used by aboriginal peoples as gathering places. gathering ones thoughts. exchanging news. trading goods. watering. #stones #rock_cut_basins #journey_ing #natural_stone_feature #gathering_point #gathering_places #sacredplaces #rosewallhill #trevalgan #trevalganhill #bnw #blackandwhitephotography #carnstabba
carnstabba rock_cut_basin
carnstabba rock_cut_basin looking out towards rosewall hill and trevalgan hill. these basins are to this day used by aboriginal peoples as gathering places. gathering ones thoughts. exchanging news. trading goods. watering. #stones #rock_cut_basins #journey_ing #natural_stone_feature #gathering_point #gathering_places #sacredplaces #rosewallhill #trevalgan #trevalganhill #bnw #blackandwhitephotography #carnstabba
cerrig-y-gof (cerrig atof) five chambered tombs.
cerrig-y-gof (cerrig atof) five chambered tombs. closely associated to scottish and irish tombs. this circular formation has its five chambers facing outward and arranged such that they have a direct relationship with prominent landscape features. an 18th century excavation records burnt bones, urns and black sea pebbles. an outlying stone seen here between the chambers and the promontory is cup marked. #capstones #propped_stone #chambered_tomb #archaeology #ancient_architecture #landscape #neolithic #cup_ marks #rock_art #bnw #cromlech #pembrokeshire
cerrig-y-gof (cerrig atof) five chambered tombs.
cerrig-y-gof (cerrig atof) five chambered tombs. closely associated to scottish and irish tombs. this circular formation has its five chambers facing outward and arranged such that they have a direct relationship with prominent landscape features. an 18th century excavation records burnt bones, urns and black sea pebbles. an outlying stone seen here between the chambers and the promontory is cup marked. #capstones #propped_stone #chambered_tomb #archaeology #ancient_architecture #landscape #neolithic #cup_ marks #rock_art #bnw #cromlech #pembrokeshire
trethevy quoit
trethevy quoit is sited on a promontory overlooking the confluence of streams which flow southwards to become the river seaton; the northern skyline is dominated by caradon hill and granite massif of minions moor four large overlapping granite slabs set
trethevy quoit
trethevy quoit is sited on a promontory overlooking the confluence of streams which flow southwards to become the river seaton; the northern skyline is dominated by caradon hill and granite massif of minions moor four large overlapping granite slabs set
the materiality of stones
the early modernist concern to ‘let the material speak’ can be traced back to prehistory. the materiality of the stones selected for use in prehistory’s ceremonial assemblages is one of great importance, where certain stones are carefully chosen for there surface texture, visual tactility,
the materiality of stones
the early modernist concern to ‘let the material speak’ can be traced back to prehistory. the materiality of the stones selected for use in prehistory’s ceremonial assemblages is one of great importance, where certain stones are carefully chosen for there surface texture, visual tactility,
west penwith: axe production and distribution as a guide to prehistoric connectivity
the distribution of lithic material and its suggested disposition of axe factories at this point creates a fascinatingly complex and gradually unfolding picture of prehistoric interaction. a series of stages of activity is suggested — stage 1 is difficult to
west penwith: axe production and distribution as a guide to prehistoric connectivity
the distribution of lithic material and its suggested disposition of axe factories at this point creates a fascinatingly complex and gradually unfolding picture of prehistoric interaction. a series of stages of activity is suggested — stage 1 is difficult to
trencrom tor enclosure
trencrom. with evidence of it as a neolithic tor enclosure and a iron age hill fort, the long term occupation of trencrom hill underlines its importance in the cosmology of many generation of prehistoric peoples. tor enclosures seem to have a
trencrom tor enclosure
trencrom. with evidence of it as a neolithic tor enclosure and a iron age hill fort, the long term occupation of trencrom hill underlines its importance in the cosmology of many generation of prehistoric peoples. tor enclosures seem to have a
tor enclosures
at roughtor a well preserved stone-built tor enclosure incorporates the natural outcrops of roughtor and little roughtor. its stony banks are shown as solid black lines in this plan to the right. it was surveyed on the ground by english
tor enclosures
at roughtor a well preserved stone-built tor enclosure incorporates the natural outcrops of roughtor and little roughtor. its stony banks are shown as solid black lines in this plan to the right. it was surveyed on the ground by english
house burning
ritual focuses attention by framing; it enlivens the memory and links the present with the relevant past. in all this it aids perception. (douglas 1966: 65) timber constructions in scotland including cursus monuments, mortuary enclosures, timber halls, cremation pyres and other forms
house burning
ritual focuses attention by framing; it enlivens the memory and links the present with the relevant past. in all this it aids perception. (douglas 1966: 65) timber constructions in scotland including cursus monuments, mortuary enclosures, timber halls, cremation pyres and other forms
callanish stones. the moon, sun, land and sea.
it is thought the erection of the first stones at callanish I (tursachan calanais) began around 3000bc. the construction started with the tallest, central monolith, [burl suggests as a navigational aid] and then is encompassed by a flattened circle of
callanish stones. the moon, sun, land and sea.
it is thought the erection of the first stones at callanish I (tursachan calanais) began around 3000bc. the construction started with the tallest, central monolith, [burl suggests as a navigational aid] and then is encompassed by a flattened circle of
castlerigg stone circle
situated on chestnut hill it is supremely sited amonst the surrounding mountains and is probably one of the earliest neolithic stone circles constructed in britain around 3200BC. it corresponds to the most active period in cumbria for the production of
castlerigg stone circle
situated on chestnut hill it is supremely sited amonst the surrounding mountains and is probably one of the earliest neolithic stone circles constructed in britain around 3200BC. it corresponds to the most active period in cumbria for the production of
gobekli tepe
göbekli tepe (turkish for ‘hill with a tummy’), which is a hilltop sanctuary built on the highest point of an elongated mountain ridge about 15km northeast of the town of şanlıurfa (urfa)in southeast turkey. it is said to have been
gobekli tepe
göbekli tepe (turkish for ‘hill with a tummy’), which is a hilltop sanctuary built on the highest point of an elongated mountain ridge about 15km northeast of the town of şanlıurfa (urfa)in southeast turkey. it is said to have been
megalithic trails
gobekli tepe. large ceremonial complexes dating from the 9th millennium BC have been discovered at a number of sites in eastern turkey. they belong to the incipient phases of agriculture and animal husbandry. large circular structures involving carved megalithic orthostats are
megalithic trails
gobekli tepe. large ceremonial complexes dating from the 9th millennium BC have been discovered at a number of sites in eastern turkey. they belong to the incipient phases of agriculture and animal husbandry. large circular structures involving carved megalithic orthostats are
quoits–cornish portal dolmen
Trevethy Quoit – Portal Dolmen. trethevy quoit was originally covered by a mound. known locally as ‘the giant’s house’. the remnants of this suggest a diameter of 6.5 metres. the remaining six stones (originally 7) and the 3.7 m long and
quoits–cornish portal dolmen
Trevethy Quoit – Portal Dolmen. trethevy quoit was originally covered by a mound. known locally as ‘the giant’s house’. the remnants of this suggest a diameter of 6.5 metres. the remaining six stones (originally 7) and the 3.7 m long and
dolmen. passage graves. gallery graves, quoits
the dolmen are megalithic tombs built of stone. most were probably covered by a mound of earth and/or stone. the older ones were family or community graves, used over many generations. the oldest dolmen in the carnac area was built
dolmen. passage graves. gallery graves, quoits
the dolmen are megalithic tombs built of stone. most were probably covered by a mound of earth and/or stone. the older ones were family or community graves, used over many generations. the oldest dolmen in the carnac area was built
stone axe menhir
it is suggested that the axe shaped centre longstone at boscawen-un stone circle probably predates the other stones that make up this elliptical stone circle. like an axe head struck into the ground, it is thought that it has always
stone axe menhir
it is suggested that the axe shaped centre longstone at boscawen-un stone circle probably predates the other stones that make up this elliptical stone circle. like an axe head struck into the ground, it is thought that it has always