Excavating a parchmenerie : archaeological correlates of making parchment at the Pictish monastery at Portmahomack, Easter Ross

Abstract

A number of associated features and artefacts in the workshops at Portmahomack (Ross-shire) can be related to the preservation and finishing of hides, and it is argued that this included the preparation of parchment for the production of manuscripts. The archaeological correlates of making parchment and methods for distinguishing it from other types of leather-working are discussed.