Posted on 05/22/2008 1:43:03 PM PDT by blam
Dig uncovers African beads buried in ancient village
By Sean O’Riordan
May 22, 2008
BEADS that originated in Africa are some of the treasures archaelologists have found as they begin to explore an ancient settlement in north Cork.
Test trenches also revealed pottery and weapons from a medieval period.
In addition, there was evidence of prehistoric settlements in the area and an early ecclesiastic settlement, possibly from the 7th-8th century. Evidence of a large moat and cobbled walkways were also uncovered.
Experts are due to conduct major excavations within weeks.
One archaeologist said: “It’s one of the most exciting discoveries in the county in recent times.”
Cork County Council confirmed it will be seeking tenders from archaeological companies for excavations at Newtwopothouse, near Doneraile.
Last February, a small team of archaeologists moved into the site — on the Doneraile/Mallow road — to dig test trenches.
The site is part of a planned realignment scheme.
County archaeologist, Cathryn Power, said she believed the area has “huge potential”.
“Newtwopothouse was known as a potentially important site. It is where the important Caherduggan ringfort and castle is supposed to have been and a large fair was held there annually. The settlement was actually where the original Cahirmee Fair was held. It only moved to Cahirmee (near Buttevant) in the 19th century,” said Ms Power.
Nobody knows why such a thriving settlement began to decline, but archaeologists believe the area may have a wealth of artifacts waiting to be unearthed.
“When you consider that there is evidence of prehistoric activity in the area and that there is also medieval activity, then you are potentially looking at a large site which had been continuously inhabited for maybe more than 3,000 years,” added Ms Power.
She explained that the discovery of African beads showed that communities in Ireland were carrying out trade with north African ports.
Aidan Weir, a senior executive engineer with Cork County Council, said the planned archaeological excavations would delay the road realignment for at least several months.
“We will be putting the archaeological contracts out to tender shortly. It is very important to our heritage that we do this work and find out what may be there,” said Mr Weir.
The excavations last February involved digging 158 test trenches in eight fields. An network of unusual landscape features — possibly manmade — was also noted.
GGG Ping.
I’m not impressed.
When they uncover an i-Pod, then I’ll be impressed.
Let me know when they find Jeremiah’s walking stick.......
Hmm. That's the most creative reason they could come up with?
I’m confused. What level were the African beads found in - Eighth century AD or 3000 years ago? The latter would be remarkable, the former sort of ho hum.
There’s alot of black guys named McMillan, McDonald, Campbell, etc. Now we know why. ;o)
Nothing about a Roman connection? Or perhaps through intermediaries closer to Africa, like Spain?
So they really did have an red headed irish step uncle.
Their known as the Black Irish...typified by names like O'Bama.
Looks like Africa left an impression on Ireland.
Not necessarily. It all depends on who was trading with whom. If trade in the general region was widespread, the beads could have been at the end of a supply chain that went from Africa, across the Mediterranean to (say) Italy or Greece, up to France, across the Channel, and over to Ireland.
Or it could have been a single traveller from parts unknown.
These African beads don’t mean the Irish were trading with N. Africa. It could mean merchants from Iberia brought them to Ireland to sell, trade, or give as gifts.
The beads could also have been captured from an enemy who happened to possess the beads, gained perhaps from sacking a palace or raiding the coasts of southern Britain, France, or northern Spain.
Now, if we found Irish trade goods in Morocco then yeah, a stronger case could be made for Ireland-N. Africa trade.
Not really. It was typical that American slaves took the last name of their master. My slave owning ancestors gave theirs the last name of Elliott, same as theirs. How do I know you ask? They registered the slaves birth with the state of Virginia (1850-60s) as required by law. Course I got other relations on the other side of the Mason Dixon Line and the other side of the late unpleasantness. As do many folks.
its not the late unpleasantness.
You darn fool, its the recent unpleasantness because I swar that it happened just a few yars back.
Now what kind of pickinney rattlarsnake is you?
Bro, where did I leave my gold chain? Darn, it was back when we were stuck in dat place full of red haired drunking leprachans, right Shamus?
Ireland ping!
Maybe they had renaissance fairs and sold African beads made by locals....
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