For further information of the site go to: Newsletter 16 there were two roughly parallel metalled linears that seem to have initially formed as pairs of shallow ruts. These were consolidated to establish two flint-cobbled trackways. One appearing to have been in use into the post-medieval period. A series of medieval ditches and pits formed part of a field system running parallel and perpendicular to the alignment of Melbourne Avenue. In addition to the field system Suggested wooden superstructure Excavations at Melbourne Avenue, Newington, Ramsgate have unearthed pairs of shallow ruts later filled with flint and then further filled with flint and then further consolidated to establish two flint-cobbled trackways. The most northerly trackway would appear to have been in use into the post-medieval period with evidence of clinker lining and brick debris, the southern may have been earlier. The most significant feature comprised of a sunken feature structure approximately 5m long by 2.9m wide with ‘clunch’ built walls on three sides. An upturned limestone mortarium was recovered along with a small number of recovered iron nails perhaps suggestive of a wooden superstructure.
Micro-CT Scanning: Innovations in the recording of cremation burials
CAT collaborated with the School of Anthropology and Conservation at the University of Kent on an exciting project to scan four potential cremation urns from Thanet Parkway and a Roman pot from Slatters Hotel, Canterbury. The newly acquired a micro-CT scanner at the University of Kent’s ‘Imaging Centre for Life Sciences’ was led by Prof. Mathew Skinner, the Director of the lab and Adelina Teoaca from Canterbury Archaeological Trust. Preliminary scans provided us with some good visualisations and 3-Dimentional volumetric models. Due to the lack of established methodological standards the images required multiple scans with various exploratory settings. This was the first time such dense material was being scanned using the micro-CT scanner, therefore, further calibrations would be needed for clearer imaging. Further use, regularised CT scanning of potential cremations would prove beneficial in various aspects: • without causing damage to fragile cremated human bones
during excavation. • It can provide an excellent and accurate view of the concentration and distribution of materials within the urn – with exact location, depth, and measurements of each isolated fragment. • The texture of the materials can also be visualised in detail, which would be essential for assessing the nature of the burnt bone (animal or human). Such accuracy will allow for lesser chance of bias in data collection and subsequent statistical tests. Additionally, scanned empty vessels would not require excavation, saving precious time and effort. CT scans are a non-destructive imaging procedure whereby slices or sections of the material being scanned are obtained using high- resolution X-rays. This pinpoints, with certainty, the position and expanse of the materials within the vessel. Furthermore, specific components of interest within the scan can also be isolated and visualised as a 3-D object, that reveals the textured details of its surface.
For further information of the site go to: Newsletter 16
For the full story go to www.canterburytrust.co.uk/post/ct-scanning
7
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker