Carnasserie Rock Art Excavation 2023
Introduction
In September 2023, Kilmartin Museum joined forces with Archaeology Scotland* to undertake archaeological excavations at three prehistoric rock art sites in Kilmartin Glen. The Kilmartin area has long been recognised as an internationally significant focus for enigmatic carvings dating to the Neolithic and Bronze Age.
While carved stones are sometimes found at monuments, including the Temple Wood Stone Circles and the Nether Largie North Cairn, this new investigation will explore cup and ring markings on rocky outcrops in the wider landscape.
The three sites are located at Carnasserie, land which has been a focus for many of the Museum’s previous surveys and excavations. Over 240 sites have been recorded, from post-medieval abandoned townships to prehistoric monuments. Scotland’s Rock Art Project has recorded the rock art there using photogrammetry.
Please click on the links below for further information:
Why Excavate Rock Art?
Find out more about rock art, previous research, and the background to this project.
Aims and Approach
An outline of our approach to the excavation and the questions we are asking.
Introducing the Three Sites
Introducing the three rock art panels we have chosen for our investigation.
*Archaeology Scotland is the leading independent charity working to inspire people to discover, explore, care for and enjoy Scotland’s archaeological heritage.
