Excavations and survey on Brei Holm and Maiden Stack, Papa Stour, Shetland

Brady, K. and Batey, C. (2008) Excavations and survey on Brei Holm and Maiden Stack, Papa Stour, Shetland. Scottish Archaeological Journal, 30(1-2), pp. 1-64. (doi: 10.3366/E1471576709000370)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

This report describes the background to, and results of, a short season of fieldwork conducted on Brei Holm, Papa Stour in the summer of 2000 (Brady 2000). Kevin Brady led a small team from the University of Glasgow who conducted a topographic survey of the surface area and archaeological features on this small islet and neighbouring sea stack off the W of Shetland. In addition, three of the features recorded in that survey were examined in trial trenches. The complex structural remains recorded are presented here, as are the stratigraphic details examined within the trial trench areas. The rich artefactual assemblage recovered from the limited excavations included over 220 ceramic sherds, worked stone, pumice and a possible small quantity of industrial waste. The limited nature of this exploratory season has raised as many questions about this enigmatic site as it sought to answer. However, it has also shown that this little-studied and poorly-understood class of monument can be tackled by the intrepid archaeologist. The logistics can be managed and the potential rewards are illustrated in the depth of deposits encountered and the comparative wealth of artefactual and ecofactual evidence recovered from trial trenches.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Batey, Dr Colleen
Authors: Brady, K., and Batey, C.
Subjects:C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
Journal Name:Scottish Archaeological Journal
Journal Abbr.:SAJ
Publisher:Edinburgh University Press
ISSN:1471-5767
Published Online:01 January 2008

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
328851Brei Holm, off Papa StourColleen BateyHistoric Scotland (HIST-SCOTL)003305192HU - ARCHAEOLOGY