Cave & Karst Science (ISSN 1356-191X)

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Contents of Cave & Karst Science 38(3)

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Cave and Karst Science (iv + 48pp) (PDF 6.3MB)        Individual articles may be available below

GUNN, John and David LOWE (eds.). (2011). Cave and Karst Science 38(3). Buxton: British Cave Research Association. ISSN 1356-191X. iv + 48pp, A4, with photos, maps and diagrams.
This issue has a cover date of 2011 (December) and was published in Dec 2011.

The Transactions of the British Cave Research Association

Layman's Summaries

Some of the articles in this issue are explained in a layman's summary. Look for the 'Summary' icons below, or download the article from here: HTML 13KB  

Front cover photo (page i) (PDF 258KB)     

by John THORP.
Skull of a wild boar (Sus scrofa), from The Cupcake on Leck Fell, Lancashire, UK. Each section on the scale bar represents 5cm, making 50cm in total. For more details see the Report by John Thorp in this Issue. (Photograph by John Thorp).

 

Notes for Contributors (page ii) (PDF 248KB)     

 

Contents (p105) (PDF 284KB)     

 

Editorial Advisory Board (p106) (PDF 154KB)     

 

Editorial (p107) (PDF 163KB)     

by John GUNN and David LOWE.

 

Guest Editorial (pp108-109) (PDF 228KB)     

by Hannah O'REGAN and John HOWARD.

 

Corrigenda for C & KS volume 38(2) (p110) (PDF 366KB)     

These corrections have been applied to the online version.

 

Cave excavation: some methodological and interpretive considerations (pp111-116) (PDF 523KB)     

by Dominic J STRATFORD.
Caves potentially afford excellent levels of preservation for buried sediments, artefacts and faunal remains but, through depositional, post-depositional and diagenetic processes, material can be disassociated from its primary context. As well as the established archaeological or palaeontological research questions, the priorities of excavations in cave sediments include: identifying distinct stratigraphical units, clarifying the site formation processes responsible for the accumulation and distribution of the assemblages, and identifying any preserved primary contextual information. A wide variety of sediments that are "typically missing or masked" (Goldberg and Sherwood, 2006, p.20) in open-air sites can be encountered during cave excavation. This, combined with the stratigraphical complications inherent to cave sites makes every site different and warrants a site-specific, multi-disciplinary approach to its excavation. Stratigraphically sensitive and flexible methods of excavation and documentation are required when approaching cave excavation. A site-specific combination of techniques and practices helps ensure the stratigraphical integrity of the excavation material, successful adaptation to the cave environment and changing sedimentological conditions, and the restriction of information loss. This paper presents some important considerations needed when planning and conducting excavations of artefact and bone-bearing cave sediments as well as some of the interpretive issues surrounding the material once it is removed.
Summary: For layman's summary see HTML 13KB  
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received: 04 May 2011; Accepted: 03 October 2011.

Bibliograph: STRATFORD, Dominic J. (2011). Cave excavation: some methodological and interpretive considerations. Cave and Karst Science 38(3), pp111-116.

 

Fish remains in cave deposits; how did they get there (pp117-120) (PDF 526KB)     

by Hannah RUSS and Andrew K G JONES.
Fish bones are commonly found in cave deposits. How they got there is an interesting question, and one that has, until recently, been largely overlooked. Previous interpretations of fish remains in caves have centred around their exploitation by humans, but there might be a number of other factors involved. These include natural events (such as flooding) or non-human agents of accumulation such as birds, bears, wolves or otters. Whereas there has been considerable research on some of these animals in relation to the economic importance of the fish they consume (e.g. bears and salmon), it is of little value to archaeologists attempting to determine which animals might have eaten the fish, as they do not record the body parts eaten, or the condition of specimens that survive digestion and are deposited in faeces. Controlled feeding experiments can help with interpretation, but these can be difficult logistically. Two experiments involving the Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and their potential taphonomic signatures are briefly described. Overall, fish remains are a valuable source of information about past human ecology, but there is still a considerable amount of research to be done before they can be interpreted fully.
Summary: For layman's summary see HTML 13KB  
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received: 13 May 2011; Accepted: 10 October 2011.

Bibliograph: RUSS, Hannah and Andrew K G JONES. (2011). Fish remains in cave deposits; how did they get there. Cave and Karst Science 38(3), pp117-120.

 

The Cupcake: a preliminary report on bones found during the excavation of a shaft on Leck Fell, UK (pp121-124) (PDF 826KB)     

by John A THORP.
Recent excavation work in a shaft known as The Cupcake on Leck Fell in northeast Lancashire, United Kingdom, has produced an interesting assemblage of ancient bones. All the animals represented are of wild species, aurochs (Bos primigenius), wild boar (Sus scrofa), wolf (Canis lupus), and badger (Meles meles). The bones were found at a depth of 8m, with the aurochs uppermost. Skeletal remains of several wild boars lay beneath, with a depth hiatus, suggesting a possible earlier depositional sequence. Differences in the state of preservation of the bones are notable. Bones in the centre of the shaft, in a damp environment, were the worst preserved, whereas the best preserved wild boar skull was recovered from a dry undercut on the southeast side. The lack of domestic species points to an early Holocene skeletal assemblage. Whole body representation suggests these animals died by falling down the shaft accidentally, while browsing on scrub concealing the entrance.
Summary: For layman's summary see HTML 13KB  
Classification: Report.
Date: Received: 17 October 2011; Accepted: 30 October 2011.

Bibliograph: THORP, John A. (2011). The Cupcake: a preliminary report on bones found during the excavation of a shaft on Leck Fell, UK. Cave and Karst Science 38(3), pp121-124.

 

Dogs, scouts and cavers: a history of archaeological excavation at Dog Hole Cave, Haverbrack, Cumbria, UK (pp125-130) (PDF 1.1MB)     

by David M WILKINSON, Hannah J O'REGAN and John THORP.
Dog Hole, at Haverbrack in southern Cumbria, was first examined by J Wilfrid Jackson in 1912 and has been explored and excavated on a number of occasions since then. Here we provide a history of these excavations, based on archival material and conversations with some of those involved. Jackson's excavation opened up the shaft and found numerous domestic animal bones, but it wasn't until the late 1950s that further work was undertaken. This work was due to the activities of the local Scout troop who were hoping to extend the site, but following the discovery of human remains, found themselves focussed on archaeology instead. Subsequent to this, there has been further caving activity that uncovered more bones, and in 2010 a new excavation led by O'Regan began. Our historical researches have highlighted several key points in relation to cave archaeology, not just at Dog Hole, but for all sites. Firstly, should cavers 'rubbish' such as drinks cans and bottles be disposed of or is it archaeology? In the case of Dog Hole a best-before date on one item has provided a latest date for the opening of a squeeze - but it is only 24 years old. Secondly, cave archaeology requires a suite of skills, specialists (note, not 'professionals') working together have the best chance of success and, finally, future historical research may well be crippled unless people begin to print and retain their e-mails.
Summary: For layman's summary see HTML 13KB  
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received: 28 October 2011; Accepted: 30 October 2011.

Bibliograph: WILKINSON, David M; Hannah J O'REGAN and John THORP. (2011). Dogs, scouts and cavers: a history of archaeological excavation at Dog Hole Cave, Haverbrack, Cumbria, UK. Cave and Karst Science 38(3), pp125-130.

 

The Seulo Caves Project, Sardinia: a report on archaeological work undertaken in 2009 and 2010 (pp131-136) (PDF 1.2MB)     

by Robin SKEATES.
This report introduces a new archaeological research project investigating the human uses of caves in the territory of Seulo, central Sardinia, and presents the preliminary results of archaeological field-survey, cave-survey, and excavation work undertaken in 2009 and 2010. At least nine caves were occupied in this area during prehistory, between the Middle Neolithic and the Bronze Age (c.4700-850 cal BC). All appear to have been used for the performance of rituals, and can be compared to the ritual use of caves identified elsewhere in the Central Mediterranean region. Nevertheless, significant differences can also be identified at each cave, adding detail and diversity to our understanding of the human uses of caves.
Summary: For layman's summary see HTML 13KB  
Classification: Report.
Date: Received: 24 February 2011; Accepted 04 October 2011.

Bibliograph: SKEATES, Robin. (2011). The Seulo Caves Project, Sardinia: a report on archaeological work undertaken in 2009 and 2010. Cave and Karst Science 38(3), pp131-136.

 

History of cave archaeology in Slovenia: politics, institutions, individuals, methods and theories (pp137-143) (PDF 1.5MB)     

by Agni PRIJATELJ.
The practice and discourse of cave archaeology in Slovenia have reflected the wider histories of cave archaeology in Europe, yet, on the other hand, also revealing local and national particularities. These have been created first by regional history, and second by the national archaeological research agenda, the institutional background and patterns of funding, as well as the few prominent researchers dominating the field. An intricate sequence of field work and publications constructed by only a few individuals over a period of 120 years is examined in this article.
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received: 05 July 2011; Accepted: 27 October 2011.
Keywords: Cave archaeology, Slovenia, history of research.

Bibliograph: PRIJATELJ, Agni. (2011). History of cave archaeology in Slovenia: politics, institutions, individuals, methods and theories. Cave and Karst Science 38(3), pp137-143.

 

Scandinavian cave archaeology (pp144-150) (PDF 1.1MB)     

by Kristina JENNBERT.
Since the second half of the nineteenth century Scandinavian caves have been studied from various angles, to answer questions about their location, dating, and use. There was intensive archaeological interest in caves in the nineteenth century and at the start of the twentieth century. This has continued without interruption in Norway. There has been much less archaeological research on caves in Sweden, with nothing like the breadth and depth of its counterpart in Norway. However, in the last few decades archaeological cave research has seen a renaissance in both Norway and Sweden. This has been integrated not only in studies of landscape archaeology but also on other topics concerning cultural history, such as their practical function and symbolic meaning. Here a study of the caves at Kullaberg in southernmost Sweden helps to put Scandinavian cave research into perspective.
Summary: For layman's summary see HTML 13KB  
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received: 13 July 2011; Accepted: 03 October 2011.

Bibliograph: JENNBERT, Kristina. (2011). Scandinavian cave archaeology. Cave and Karst Science 38(3), pp144-150.

 

Cave Archaeology - Past, Present and Future (pp151-152) (PDF 319KB)     

Additional abstracts from the Second Conference of the Upland Cave Network Manchester Museum, UK: July 01 - 02 2010.
Classification: Report.

Bibliograph: Anon. (2011). Cave Archaeology - Past, Present and Future. Cave and Karst Science 38(3), pp151-152.

 

Research Fund and Grants (page iii) (PDF 593KB)     

 

Back cover photos (page iv) (PDF 374KB)     

A selection of images illustrating various aspects of cave archaeology in the north of England. (Photographs by Terry O'Connor, John Thorp, Dave Wilkinson. See contents page for description).