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News: Rare stone axe among 'important' local fieldwalking finds
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Submitted by PaulM on Friday, 02 April 2004 Page Views: 951
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  A rare stone axe made by Caithness farmers around 6000 years ago has been discovered in a field in Castletown.
The object was found during a fieldwalking project which was organised by the Caithness Archaeological Trust as part of a two-week programme involving experts and local volunteers.
Dr Amelia Pannett, of Cardiff University, who has carried out archaeological work in the county over the past four years and was involved in the fieldwalking project, was delighted with the discovery of the axe.
"It is likely it would have been used for ritual or ceremonial reasons rather than as a practical tool as the stone would have been too soft to use in the cutting of trees or other plants. The cutting edge is also in near perfect condition, showing its lack of use.
"A knife made of flint was also collected, together with a fine arrowhead.
Both would have been made and used by the earliest farmers in the county, " she said.
Dr Pannett explained that the axe - found by George MacDougall - was one of several interesting items found on the fieldwalking project over a two-day period.
She told the John O'Groat Journal that flint tools, dating from around 8000 years ago, were discovered on Sunday.
The tools - regarded as "important and rare" - were found at Thrumster.
"Several exciting finds were made, including flint tools belonging to the first inhabitants of Caithness around 8000 years ago.
"Evidence of more recent occupation was also revealed, such as the site of a long vanished house, probably built in the 18th/19th century.
"Other finds included large amounts of pottery that can tell us something about the activities undertaken at the house - these included dairying and the consumption of wine and spirits.
"We also found stone pot lids and a fragment of a stone bowl, probably made and used by the inhabitants of the nearby broch in the Iron Age period, and a slate pencil, " she said.
Dr Pannett explained that around 20 people turned up for the walk on Sunday and were involved in collecting several of the artefacts.
The project, which runs until April 9, has now moved to Castletown and is investigating fields close to a series of monuments, including a burial cairn, a broch and the site of a medieval settlement. A number of important artefacts have been recovered in this area in the past.
The fieldwalking project is being coordinated by the Caithness Archaeological Trust with Dr Pannett as consultant.
"We would welcome anyone else interested in joining us. This weekend, April 3 and 4, we will be meeting at 9.30am at the car park at the Castletown end of Dunnet Bay, " she said.
For information about where to meet during the following week please call her on 07789 503671.
The fieldwalking project is ongoing, with the initial two-week training session sponsored by Murray Lamont and Mackay's Hotel, Wick.
The Caithness area committee of Highland Council has also awarded the trust £1000 towards the cost of the fieldwalking project.
"We are grateful to the those who have assisted in this project and to all the landowners who have allowed access to their fields, " said Dr Pannett.
Source: The John O'Groats Journal 02/04/2004
Note: Take part in field walking this weekend (April 3 and 4) - meet at 9.30am at the car park at the Castletown end of Dunnet Bay.
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