Midden Investigations at Saltvík N Iceland August 2003

This report presents the results of a first stage investigation of possible midden deposits at the site of Saltvík near Husavik in N Iceland carried out August 12th 2003. An Oakfield tube-type soil corer was used to probe possible midden deposits around five structures associated with what appears to be three concentration of structures (NW, W, and NE) on the hillside and stream gullies to the S of the modern farm and horse stable area of Saltvík. These structural complexes are on either side of the two pre-christian burials higher up on the hillside. The site survey data, measured plans all excavation data for the structures and burials was collected by FSl (Archaeological Institute Iceland) teams and is reported separately. Coring around the NW and NE structural complexes indicated fairly thin and discontinuous deposits, except directly to the south of the possible pit house where up to 25 cm of cultural deposit (bone flecks, charcoal, burnt bone and mottled ash) suggest potential deposit. The area around both the long rectangular possible hall structures in the NW and NE complexes were also heavily covered with thufur hummoc (up to 50 -75 cm deep) which will have severely disrupted any archaeological stratigraphy in these areas. However, conditions were different around the W complex (a potential pit house, long hall, and several apparent outbuildings) and what may be a substantial intact cultural deposit extends downslope west) of the hall ruin. This area produced 25-30 cm of cultural deposit, including burnt bone, charcoal, ash, and some apparent stratification.

Iceland Landscapes Circum Landnám midden Saltvík

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