Dear Stefi,

Yes, we did analyses of several structures dated to the Iron Age period, which have been used for flax-retting. Some of the structures had been former wells, later used for flax retting. Bundles of flax were found at the bottom of the features. In another wetland site, called Fuglsøgårds Mose, pits were discovered that are interpreted as being invested for peat cutting. In those pits we found a flax bundle on top of a ceramic vessel, probably deposited as an offering. Seeds and capsule fragments were also found together with Camelina and other species in the surrounding sediments. 

As flax is a very symbolic plant many myht are existing. I have written two articles about the finds of flax bundle in the ceramic vessel from Fugsløgårds Mose and the myths about flax. NNU-reports exist about the wells.


Here are the references. If you need the copies, let me know.

Karg S. Friggas hellige plante - hør i offerkar fra jernalderen. NYT (News from the National Museum of Denmark) 100 , 2003, 10-13.

Karg S. Seltsame Gruben in einem Feuchtgebiet in Jütland, Dänemark. NAU (Nachrichtenblatt Arbeitskreis Unterwasserarchäologie) 10, 2003, 43-46.

For pictures and the NNU-reports, see homepage: http://www.nnu.dk/

Kind regards, Sabine


Dr. phil. Sabine Karg
NATIONALMUSEET / THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENMARK
Forsknings- & Formidlingsafdelingen / Research and Exhibitions
Environmental Archaeology
Ny Vestergade 11
DK - 1471 Copenhagen K

Tel.: 00 45 / 33 47 31 95
Fax: 00 45 / 33 47 33 11

e-mail: [log in to unmask]






-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: Jennifer Miller [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sendt: 12. november 2004 17:20
Til: [log in to unmask]
Emne: FW: flax-rotting


Hi Stephanie,

Susan Ramsay and I  did a joint pollen and macro analysis of a (probably
18th century) purpose-built, clay-lined flax-retting structure in the Ben
Lawers, Perthshire area recently.  We had a very nice succession over a 20cm
depth of substrate, starting  with flax remains (stems, seeds and  capsule
valves) and associated arable weeds of drier, fertile soils, mixed with
wetland/marsh plants in the lowest levels, resultant from the use of the
pit.  The higher levels indicated succession as a result of post abandonment
regeneration which culminated in the same damp grassland that surrounds the
pit today.  The similarities and differences between the pollen and macro
evidence are very interesting too, both in terms of this site and as a tool
in general.  We are currently writing this up for publication within a wider
project, but I would be happy to send you a copy of our results before then
if you would be interested.

Best wishes,

Jennifer

Dr Jennifer J Miller BSc PhD FSA Scot
Environmental Project Manager
Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division,
Gregory Building,
University of Glasgow,
G12 8QQ.
Tel 0141-330 ext 3639 (secretary), ext 5448 (direct).
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-----Original Message-----
From: The archaeobotany mailing list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Stefanie Jacomet
Sent: Friday, November 12, 2004 13:45
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: flax-rotting


Hallo,
did somebody of you investigate plant remains (macro!) from structures
which are considered to serve for flax-rotting? (or hemp)
I would be greatful for some informations!
Stefanie Jacomet

--
Prof. Dr. Stefanie Jacomet
Institute for Prehistory and Archaeological Science IPAS
Institut für Prähistorische und Naturwissenschaftliche Archäologie IPNA
Basel University / Universität Basel
Spalenring 145
CH-4055 Basel
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www.unibas.ch/arch
phone office: 0041 61 201 02 11
mobile: 0041 79 322 39 17