An Oransay Shell-mound - A Scottish Pre-Neolithic Site

Abstract

It is argued that this site has much in common with Mas d'Azil in France. The characteristic implements of both sites are flat harpoons of bone and deer-horn, sometimes with one, sometimes with two rows of barbs, and generally perforated near the base. Other implements common to both sites are shoe-horn-like chisels of deer-horn and bone pins, along with pieces of pumice stone. However, the convex faceted chisels (limpet gouges)are peculiar to Scottish sites. The object of the paper is to demonstrate through excavation the existence of human habitation on or about the line of the 25-30 feet beach at a time when the sea had not permanently retired from that level and to reveal the Azilian nature of the culture indicated in the occupation, and thus to correlate it directly with that of the Oban caves. The excavation of the shell mound at Cnoc Sligeach is described in detail with many plans and sections. An appendix lists all the animal bone, fish bone and shells recovered.