Relic linked to Seahenge

Submitted by vicky on Friday, 13 August 2004 Page Views: 4693

A simple carved wooden figure could hold the key to an amazing new theory about the true meaning of Norfolk's Seahenge site. Scientists have carbon-dated the relic, found in the Thames Estuary in 1912, and discovered that it dates back to the same period as the older of Norfolk's two timber circles.

Archaeologists now believe instead of being composed of plain wooden posts, parts of a Bronze Age timber circle found close to the site of Seahenge could have been decorated with carvings resembling native American totem poles.

The revelation comes as an archaeological journal sheds new light on the discoveries at Holme Beach, near Hunstanton.

The carved figure dates back to 2200BC, close to the period when Seahenge was built. It is believed to be the earliest representation of the human figure in existence.

Yesterday Marie Taylor, marketing officer at Colchester Castle Museum where the idol is kept, said: “You can make a safe speculation between the two things.

“Most of archaeology is speculation and piecing things together.”

Today British Archaeology magazine will reveal that a second timber circle, also found at Holme, dates back to 2400BC, pre-dating Seahenge by hundreds of years. Parts of the relic, which consisted of a timber ring with two large logs in its centre, were swept away by last winter's storms.

It says the structure, which was almost certainly a burial mound, resembles similar circles found in the Netherlands. Leading archaeologists predict there could be more discoveries at Holme.

Mike Pitts, editor of British Archaeology, said: “On Holme beach there could be a vast area of ancient landscape preserved under the dunes.”

Mark Brennand, who led the Seahenge excavation, said: “We may be looking at the very last elements of it and the rest's out to sea, or we may be looking at the beginnings of it to the landward side.”

There were angry protests as scientists began removing Seahenge's ancient timbers and central tree stump from the beach.

But archaeologists later said examination of the oak posts had shed new light on Bronze Age civilisation, showing society was more advanced 5000 years ago than had been previously thought.

Seahenge's timbers have been conserved at Flag Fen, near Peterborough. They are due to go on display at King's Lynn Museum next year.

Source and Photo: EDP24 News 13/08/2004

Contributor Bio for vicky: Ex Megalithic Portal Editor, Co-author of 'Rock Around the Peak - Megalithic Monuments of the Peak District' and... More

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