Burial

The National Monuments Service's description

Located on rocky ground bordering an inlet, known as Bealanillan Port, on the E side of Inishbanog Island. Human bones, exposed by erosion, were noted on the N side of the inlet in 2003, and a rescue excavation (03E1702) was undertaken in October of that year. Two relatively complete articulated skeletons, aligned roughly E–W, were recovered from one grave, along with partial remains of two other individuals. In total, the bones represent the remains of at least six individuals. Osteological analysis of the two relatively complete skeletons determined that they were the remains of adult males, within the age range 25-45 years. Cut marks on the ribs and neck vertebrae indicated that they suffered violent deaths involving stabbing and decapitation. No grave goods were found. An upright slab (0.8m N–S; T c. 0.004m; H 0.25m) located close to the burials may be a grave marker. Radiocarbon analysis of the bones produced a date in the mid-late 7th-century (Crumlish 2004, Unpublished preliminary excavation report submitted to NMS). In June 2015, a second rescue excavation (03E1702 extension) was undertaken, following the exposure by erosion of human bones on the W side of the inlet. The partial remains of sixteen human skeletons, aligned roughly E–W, and, in some cases, covered by flat slabs, were recorded, fourteen of which were fully excavated. The bones represented the remains of nine juveniles and seven adults. Disarticulated human and animal bones were also recovered. Post-excavation analysis is ongoing (Crumlish 2015, Unpublished preliminary excavation report submitted to NMS).

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 26 January 2017