Graphs and Data
Central Standing Stone
A Significant phase in time for unraveling the story of the Ness
Central Paved Area
At the Ness of Brodgar there is a central paved area between structures One, Eight, Twelve, and Twenty-Nine. This area contains orthostat 3682, commonly referred to as the “central standing stone.” The later midden phasing near this orthostat is primarily based on the sequence of deposits and alterations observed over this area. These changes are closely related to structures adjacent to the paved area. It seems this particular space played a significant role as the focal point of the Neolithic complex, at least during one phase of its history.
Structure 8 Phasing
Phasing
written words were inscribed by Ness of Brodgar
Midden Phases
Where phases for different areas and buildings are correlated, this is not meant to imply an exact chronological equivalence, merely a broadly similar sequence of events suggesting at least some overlap. The separate phases undoubtedly vary widely in actual length of time.
- Check out the navigation bar if you want to know more about the interpretation of the entire site phasing!
Structure 8
- 8A: Original build (3100)
- 8B: Primary Use (3100)
- 8C: Secondary alterations (2850)
- 8D: Secondary Use (2850)
- 8E: Collapse of North end and half roof with abandonment (2850)
- 8F: infill (2400)
- 8G: later robber cuts and fills
What is XRF?
Bruker Tracer 5
The X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer is a commonly used method for analyzing the elements present in various materials, such as soil. At the Ness of Brodgar site, soil samples are first processed into small cups. These cups are then exposed to powerful X-rays, which cause the atoms in the soil to emit unique fluorescent X-rays. By studying the energies and intensities of these emitted X-rays, scientists can determine what elements are present in the soil samples. This analysis helps researchers understand the composition of the soil and the elements it contains.
Soil analysis can provide valuable information about the concentrations of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and other elements like sulfur (S), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), etc.
One of the advantages of using XRF for soil analysis is that it is a non-destructive testing method, meaning it does not damage or destroy the samples, keeping them intact. Additionally, XRF offers relatively quick analysis times.In which I could get on average 35 soil samples a day by the process from cupping to filter then, non filer process.
Having this type of data will provide insights into the soil composition around the site and help researchers in explaining or enlighten their research findings.
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Using the Map and Data Table
Map
To use the map you can click on the icons in the legend to add and remove data layers on the map for your viewing pleasure.
To reset map double right click the side of the map.
Map Icons
There are a row of icons in the top right corner that allow for various controls and options
1.) Download map as a .png by clicking on the camera icon
2.) Zoom-in on a specific area of the map with the magnifying glass icon by dragging a box over the area you want to view
3.) Pan using the the crossed arrows icon
4.) Select data in a box with the dotted line box icon to highlight the data on the map and view the data in the table below
5.) Select data in a polygon with the lasso icon to highlight the data on the map and view the data in the table below
6.) Zoom in with the plus icon
7.) Zoom out with the minus icon
8.) Zoom out to view the whole map with the crisscrossed arrows icon or the house icon
9.) Show data with the single tab icon by hovering over the data you want to view
10.) Compare data with the double tab icon by hovering near the data you want to view
Data Table
1.) Click on a table item to highlight the data on the map
2.) Use the blue “+” icon to view a dropdown menu of geochemical composition
3.) When data is selected in the map above, the table reacts to give you information on that data
Structure 8
Figure: Structure 8 interactive map that reacts to a data table when a point is select.
### Structure 8 Data table {data-height = 650}
Structure 8 Mitten Phasing
Mitten Phasing
Structure Eight
written words were inscribed by Ness of Brodgar
The most definite stratigraphic connection made between Structure 8 and the Midden Phasing appears with deposit 4444=2317, a clay layer in the ‘Central Midden Area’ that also directly predates the construction of Structure 12’s northern annexe. This deposit has been separately shown to post-date the decommissioning of the south end of Structure 8, yet can be solidly placed in Midden Phase 3. This suggests that Structure 8 was abandoned relatively early in the sequence and was not re-used in the way that other buildings (e.g Structures 1, 12 and 21) were in Midden Phases 3 and 4. The uncertainties around Structure 19’s relationship with Structure 8 make it difficult to be certain where the original construction and primary occupation of Structure 8 should be placed in the sequence. At the southern end of the building, the southwest outer wall face 4760 overlies a midden and rubble deposit 4796 which in turn overlies Structures 34 and its predecessor 23. However, wall face 4760 may itself be a secondary addition to Structure 8 dating from its later phases of use. This area is still being investigated.
In the overall Trench P structure phasing matrix, Structure 8 is phased following the rough
outline laid out in the All Contexts spreadsheet:
8.A original build
8.B first occupation/use
8.C division into northern roofed area and southern unroofed area
8.D secondary occupation/use
8.E collapse of remaining north roof and abandonment
Phases 8.F and 8.G do not relate specifically to the building and are omitted from the matrix, but they occur over the course of Midden Phases 3, 4, and 5. Phase 8.H is the early 20th century antiquarian trench and occurs in Midden Phase 6. Key relationships: clay surface 4444=2317 is important because it shows that Structure 8 is completely abandoned by the end of Midden Phase 3. Wall face 4760 overlies midden and rubble 4796, but may not be part of the original building construction
Overall Site Mitten Phasing
Midden Phases
Structures and deposits pre-dating central paving
written words were inscribed by Ness of Brodgar
This encompasses all pre-existing deposits, including the buildings that were standing when the central paving was laid down. Of most immediate relevance are Structures 1 (walls 1006 and 1018) and 29 (wall 5793), and the central standing stone 3682, all of which are respected by the paving layers. It is possible that Structures 8, 12, 19 and 23 (or their immediate predecessors) all pre-date the paving as well, although this has not yet been definitely confirmed by excavation. There is a clay levelling layer 5209 associated either with the construction of Structure 1, the laying down of the paving, or perhaps both: the paving may have been laid concurrently with the construction of the buildings, so the distinction between this phase and the next is somewhat arbitrary in that regard.
Phase 1. Paving between structures and around orthostat 3682
Phase 1 begins with the laying of the paving around the central orthostat 3682 and incorporates its subsequent use as the ‘focus’ for the buildings around. The different elements of paving identified in this area were likely laid down in individual events, but they have been grouped in one phase as there are no significant deposits to demarcate them or suggest any depth of chronology. They include 5239 along the southwestern wall of Structure 1, 6006 along the southeastern wall of Structure 29, and 5794 which covers most of the remaining space. The boundaries of 5794 are particularly vague towards the east and southeast, and it’s not clear if it continued east beyond the footprint of Structure 11 or as far southeast as Structure 23. A fourth rubbly deposit 4412 running along the passage between Structures 1 and 11 is included in this phase, but the exact nature, extent and stratigraphic position of this deposit is uncertain as it has not been excavated—it may date to a later phase, along with Structure 11 itself.
There are two low coursed stone structures (5106=5235 and 5244) immediately south of the Structure 1 southern doorway, originally interpreted as the two sides of a doorway in a structure opposite (across a hypothetical passageway formed by paving 5239). They are built directly on the paving, possibly as part of the same event as there is no sediment or midden to separate them. Alternatively, the lack of intervening deposits may indicate that the paved area was kept clean during its use. These low structures, rather than being the remnants of a building, may instead be features related to Structure 1’s doorway and the central standing stone, analogous to the standing stones outside Structure 12’s eastern doorway.
Structure 12’s exact relationship with the central paving is currently obscured by later modifications: the northern annexe and blocking wall 4595 in its northwestern doorway. This area is still under examination, but it seems likely that either Structure 12 or its predecessor Structure 28 was in use at the same time as the paving. This phase is likely to last for some time, as it represents the ongoing use of the buildings and the central paved area rather than the single construction event. However, it is clear that by the end of this phase the significance of the central standing stone, and the paved area around it, is diminished.
Phase 2. Rubble/mixed deposits over paving
Phase 2 is chiefly marked by a number of mixed midden and rubble deposits that cover most of the paving. Of particular note is rubble spread 4446 (later separated into multiple numbers), which covers a large part of the area. A small cut 5784 appears between the two low coursed stone structures from Phase 1, perhaps a result of paving stones being robbed. Of note is the appearance of several roughly constructed walls (5107, 5117, 5118 and 5258), within the central paved area, that do not form a single coherent structure. They are likely to be retaining walls built to keep passageways clear between the buildings. It is probable that the southern doorway of Structure 1 is still open through most of this period, as the retaining walls appear to be keeping that area clear, but it is blocked by the end of this Phase.
Likewise, the original northwest doorway of Structure 12 is at first kept at least partially clear, with a very fragmentary retaining wall 5107 present just outside it. This wall is slightly higher in the midden sequence than the others, and doesn’t extend north beyond the standing stone 3682. The doorway is then blocked later in Phase 2 or in Midden Phase 3, with the midden and rubble layers outside the door cut away to allow blocking wall 4595 to be built directly onto paving 5794. Structure 1 changes from double to single cruciform layout within this phase, evidenced by the raising of the internal dividing wall 1020. Paving 2155, outside the eastern doorway and leading to the entrance of Structure 11, is laid down over the top of earlier paving 2170 – the latter is perhaps originally associated with the doorway of Structure 19.
The northern half of Structure 1 remains in use, with ‘ephemeral’ retaining walls forming Structures 9 and 15 constructed in the midden deposits against the outer face of the building’s walls, although these may appear in a later Midden Phase. Structures 14 and 16 were probably also built early in this phase, cut into the earliest midden deposits north and east of Structure 1. The roof on the southern end of Structure 8 collapses (or is otherwise removed) during this phase. A large central post is added at the middle of the building to support the roof over the northern half, while the southern half continues to be utilised but is left unroofed. Structure 11 may be constructed during this phase. The timing is not entirely definite, as the deposits below the footprint of the building have not been excavated and their relationship to the central paving has not yet been ascertained. However, the southwestern wall of Structure 11 appeared to sit directly on the central paving, and retaining walls 5117 and 5118 form a northwest-southeast aligned passageway, together with that wall of the building, suggesting they are contemporary and date from a period when the central paved area was still partially in use.
Phase 3. Quickly deposited material
This phase is marked by the relatively quick deposition of a number of mixed midden and rubble layers in the central paved area, representing dumps of material rather than gradual accumulation (c.f. Continuation Sheet 4483). These deposits probably relate to the construction or modification of a number of buildings around the site, and the robbing of existing buildings for materials to do so. The central paving has been completely abandoned by this point. Structure 7 was built around this time, reusing the western wall and doorway of Structure 19 and overlapping the western wall of Structure 8. ‘Special’ objects are deposited by the piers in the north end of Structure 8 before it collapses (intentionally or otherwise) and the building is entirely abandoned, with the roofing stones left where they fell. Structure 10 is built and becomes a new ‘focus’ of the site, replacing the central standing stone and paved area.
The Structure 12 annexe is constructed during this phase, with its rough walls and orthostats built over the earlier midden and rubble deposited during Phase 2.
Structure 11 is modified, with wall 1097 / 4411 built to repair the eastern side of the building’s original curving south wall 1199.
Ephemeral walls 1176, 1096 and 1139 within and re-using the interior of Structure 1 may date from this phase, coinciding with the blocking of the eastern doorway. A similar wall 3656 is built in Structure 21, and the interior of Structure 14 is reorganized.
Phase 4. Slowly accumulated midden deposits
This phase is marked by a considerable depth of midden and midden-enhanced soils, fairly homogeneous in composition, that are deposited over a considerable time period (c.f. Continuation Sheet 4483). There is still occupation of the site with large changes to Structure 10 and the construction of Structures 22 and 26, but Structures 1, 8, 12, 14 and 21 have probably been abandoned. The phase ends with the final abandonment of Structure 10.
Phase 5. Later midden and pit activity
Irregular prehistoric activity continues on site, including a “mass midden tip” 2180 and multiple pits (4730, 2028=4421, 4431) and robbing cuts—although cut 2028=4421 along the southern wall face of Structure 1 did not appear to have involved removing the stones in that wall to any extent.
The great mass of bone is deposited around Structure 10. Robbing cut 4234 removes portions of Structure 10’s western outer face.
Phase 6. Topsoil
Modern topsoil and interface with the midden.
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What is Ness Of Brodgar
What is Ness of Brodgar?
The Ness of Brodgar is an archaeological site located on the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It is a significant Neolithic complex consisting of a large stone settlement and a ceremonial enclosure. The site, dating back over 5,000 years, offers valuable insights into the lives and culture of the Neolithic people and the transition from hunter and gatherers to cultivating crops, keeping cattle, and staying in places long enough to build these structures.
Archaeologists have been uncovering well-preserved structures and various artifacts at the Ness of Brodgar, including pottery, tools, and artwork. Ongoing excavations at the site contribute to our understanding of the Neolithic period and provide clues about the religious, social, and economic practices of its ancient inhabitants.
Gratitude
My data Story
During my studies, we were taught let the data tell its story. I had the incredible opportunity to do just that these past two summers. I was fortunate to be selected for a research grant, where I assisted a Willamette professor Scott Pike to assist in helping with data management and XRF data processing At the Ness. It was the perfect chance for me to not only gain hands-on experience in data processing but also to delve into the world of archaeology data and its components, I loved the people who I worked with, the folklore that surround, and the community.
Upon arriving in Orkney, Scotland, I was warmly welcomed into a bustling community of individuals at the archaeological site. This site wasn’t just a place where relics were excavated; it was a living, breathing community filled with passionate people from all over the globe.The data tells the story of these people in the past and the present people that actually care about their heritage and want to understand the importance of our pasts and how it helps us interpret our present and future.
The data we collected and processed told captivating stories about the people who once lived here and the present-day enthusiasts who cherish their heritage. This site was unique in that it’s publicly funded and maintains full control over its information and studies. This enables open-source accessibility, allowing both the public and specialists to be a part of this ongoing endeavor.
I continue to Thrive in this environment, I knew that this was the right project for my capstone project. So here it is, A story I hope I told with integrity, accessibility, fun, knowledgeable, and useful.
I will be writting more on my personal blog.
I want to Thank (no particular order):
Professor Pike, Sigurd Towrie, Nick Card, Annie Michael, Paul Durdin, Kristina McDonough, Dr. Alan Farahani, Professor Robert Walker, All the People at Ness of Brodgar , My Masters Cohort, Willamette University, Estevan Seyfried, and all the people who helped me a long the way. So much more. I have so much gratitude!