Hi Alys,
We also found charred Malus seeds, whole and half crab apples and lots
of endocarp fragments from a grooved ware pit at Clifton Quarry in south
Worcestershire, also believed to be a ritual assemblage because of the
association with stone hand axes and various metal finds. We think the
material amounted to 40 to 50 crab apples (from a 190L sample). Also in
the same sample was a large quantity of charred barley grains (7,539)
and wood fragments dominated by Maloideae. The interpretation was
similar to the previous emails.
It's interesting to hear of other specific sites. I can send you a copy
of the report if you are interested.
Best wishes,
Liz Pearson
Senior Environmental Archaeologist
Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service
Woodbury Hall
University of Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcestershire WR2 6AJ
Tel: 01905 855495
Fax: 01905 855035
-----Original Message-----
From: The archaeobotany mailing list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Alys Vaughan-Williams
Sent: 21 September 2010 21:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Malus endocarp
Hello,
I'm working on a few samples from a Neolithic enclosure site in Ireland.
One sample from a possible cist contains a number of charred apple seeds
(Malus sylvestris) and also a couple of fragments of endocarps. I have
read Monk 1988 who found charred Malus endocarps. The article refers to
the apples having been dried prior to charring. I was wondering if an
endocarp has to be dried for it to be preserved through charring?
The site is also believed to be ritual due to the artefacts recovered.
Does anyone know of any examples of ritual deposition of apples? Would a
whole apple thrown on a fire burn down to just the core / seeds? The
only other material preserved in this sample were fragments of hazelnut
shell (Corylus avellana) and a few cereal grains.
Thanks
Alys
-----------------------------
Alys Vaughan-Williams
Consultant Archaeobotanist
www.alysvaughanwilliams.co.uk
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