CRANNOG 16 Loch Awe [click on graphics for larger view in new window]

Location: Ardchonnell

Map reference: NM 978 122

Date of Survey: 25 September 1972

Loch level OD: 35.448 m

Highest point of crannog OD: 36.548 m

Top to bottom of crannog: 8.3 m

Overall spread: 37 m x 34 m

Usable area: 16 m x 15 m

Description (1972): Low vegetation, grass and shrubs. Crannog built on ridge of bedrock running NE-SW.
Much timber visible in surface: baulks in radiating patter in SE quadrant. At edge of crannog top area of stone chips. To N side line of heavy boulders stretching from centre and stones on N side generally larger than stones on S side

Finds:
• Rectangular stone of roughly square cross-section (7.5 cm wide x 8.5 cm thick) 43 cm long; ends roughly pointed; with central waisted bored hole (4 cm diameter at ends curving to 2 cm diam at centre). In this state could have been used as an anchor, but appears to have been crudely reduced in size from an earlier use

Innis Chonell: during an exploratory swim around the island with the ruined castle, nearby, lying in just over 30 ft of water was the object made from wood and brass nails as shown, possibly the base of a leather bucket or other vessel. Due to its fragility it was retained and allowed to dry out gradually.

Dating:

Post-1972:

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Timber and stone were added to the bedrock to build Crannog 16

What may have started life as a hard grey whinstone quern, was adapted for use perhaps as an anchor. The sheer work of boring the well-finished hole (above: top of object; below: from the side) in such hard rock does not match its present rough state.

Found off Innis Chonnell. Perhaps the very eroded base of a bucket, or arch of a saddle or furniture, the flat-headed brass nails may have pinned leather or other fabric. Very soft and friable when found, careful drying has preserved it. Any suggestions/parallels?