| Title: |
An archaeobotanical investigation of Oakbank Crannog, a prehistoric lake dwelling in Loch Tay, the Scottish Highlands |
| Biblio Note |
Please note that this is a bibliographic record only, as originally entered into the BIAB database.
The ADS have no files for download, and unfortunately cannot advise further on where to access hard copy or digital versions.
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| Publication Type: |
Report
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| Abstract: |
Analyses evidence from Oakbank crannog, a Late Bronze/Early Iron Age lake dwelling in Loch Tay, Scotland, where the latest remaining consolidation phase incorporated large boulders which sealed the organic material underneath and preserved waterlogged remains of the plants utilised by earlier inhabitants. Cereal crops grown included Hordeum vulgare, Triticum dicoccum and T spelta. Spelt wheat implies trade links with the south of the country or abroad. Linum usitatissiumum was cultivated on a small scale, possibly together with Papaver somniferum, another species which has implications for trade. An abundance of crop contaminant weed species emphasises the soil fertility, and suggests that cereal crops were neither weeded nor hand-picked on the ear. Seeds of low-growing weeds indicate harvesting close to ground level. Processing was done for immediate use, at the doorway to the dwelling itself. Crop by-products including chaff and weed seeds were fed to livestock to supplement fodder. Tail grain and some prime barley may have been added or left intentionally during processing to supplement the feed. This generous use of valuable grain and edible weed seeds implies a healthy economy with adequate stores of food. Livestock were housed in the dwelling at least periodically, but were confined to specific areas. |
| Author: |
Jennifer J Miller
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| Year of Publication: |
1997
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| Subjects / Periods: |
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| Source: |
BIAB
(The British & Irish Archaeological Bibliography (BIAB))
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| Created Date: |
21 Jan 2002 |
