The land before symbol stones

a geophysical survey of Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, and the excavation of a Middle Bronze Age structure near the Craw Stane, Barflat

Meggen Gondek (Author)

Gordon Noble (Author)

Susan Ramsay (Contributor)

Alison Sheridan (Contributor)


Keywords:
Cropmark, carved stone
Location(s):
Rhynie; Craw Stane; Barflat; Aberdeenshire; Scotland; UK
Period(s):
Middle Bronze Age

Abstract


This article outlines the results of two related but distinct aspects of fieldwork: a geophysical survey of the Rhynie cropmark complex and a small targeted excavation conducted in 2005–6, which are both part of the Rhynie Environs Archaeological Project (REAP). The geophysical surveys included a substantial gradiometer and a smaller resistivity survey that aimed to characterise and explore the extent and survival of archaeology around the Craw Stane Pictish symbol stone (NJ42NE 35) and two other symbol stone findspots. The results showed several discrete anomalies; one of these was targeted by a small-scale excavation and proved to be a burnt Middle Bronze Age timber structure. This article describes the geophysical survey results and the excavation of the MBA structure and sets both within their landscape context.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9750/PSAS.145.125.151

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Published
30-11-2016
How to Cite
Gondek, M., Noble, G., Ramsay, S., & Sheridan, A. (2016). The land before symbol stones: a geophysical survey of Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, and the excavation of a Middle Bronze Age structure near the Craw Stane, Barflat. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 145, 125–151. https://doi.org/10.9750/PSAS.145.125.151
Issue
Vol. 145 (2016)
Section
Articles
DOI
https://doi.org/10.9750/PSAS.145.125.151

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