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Mersa/Wadi Gawasis 2009 Report, by Rodolfo Fattovich, Andrea Manzo - University of Naples "l'Orientale," Naples, Italy, and Chiara Zazzaro - University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

Redazione Archaeogate, 14-09-2009   « Pag. 4 di 5 »  stampa questa pagina

Sommario

  1. Introduction
  2. WG 58-59
  3. WG 60
  4. Maritime Archaeology
  5. References

Maritime Archaeology

In 2009 [4] three new fragments of limestone anchors (A26, A27, A28) were recorded [5].
A26 is a fragment of the rounded top of an anchor. It features the typical groove for the rope and part of the hole. The fragment is 12.5 cm thick. The rope groove is 16 cm x 3 cm in area, and the upper hole is 9 cm in diameter. A26 is comparable to the medium-size anchors at Mersa/Wadi Gawasis.
A large fragment of the body and the base of anchor A27, 46 cm x 24.5 cm x 12 cm, was preserved. An unfinished square hole, 7 cm x 5.5 cm x 5 cm, was carved at the base of the anchor. Another shallow unfinished hole, 6 cm x 5.5 cm x 2.8 cm, was carved close to the base on the opposite side of the anchor. The original size of this anchor is comparable to those of other medium to large anchors at Mersa/Wadi Gawasis.
A concentration of several limestone fragments, most likely from an intentionally destroyed anchor, was also found in WG 58, associated with Feature 10. The limestone fragments were arranged in a circle beneath the gravel mound and possibly represent a foundation ritual for the structure.
Finally, a limestone anchor (A2) from Feature 6 (WG 23), recorded in 2003-2004 (Bard & Fattovich 2007: 42-43, 157), was re-examined. This anchor was still in situ, at the base of the structure. During the 2009 excavations part of a rope hole at the base of the anchor was observed. The evidence of diagonal chisel marks confirmed that the hole was intentionally carved. The unusual location of the hole in anchor A2 suggests that it had been re-shaped from an earlier form, which might have been damaged during its carving. A similar conclusion can also be suggested for the two unfinished square holes of anchor A27.
The unfinished upper holes in A2, A27 and A9 (Bard & Fattovich 2007: 155, 158) clearly demonstrate that extensive activity for the manufacture and modification of ship equipment was practiced at the site.

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Note

[4] The anchors have been studied by Chiara Zazzaro.

[5] For the inventory of the anchors see Bard & Fattovich 2007: 157-163.





Cliccare sull'immagine per l'ingrandimento

1: The excavation team.
1: The excavation team.

2: The Mersa Gawasis bay, above which is Feature 10.
2: The Mersa Gawasis bay, above which is Feature 10.

3: View of Feature 10 (excavation units WG 58 and WG 59).
3: View of Feature 10 (excavation units WG 58 and WG 59).

4: Laserscanned plan of Feature 10.
4: Laserscanned plan of Feature 10.

5: Engraved inscription on a stone slab in the eastern sector of Feature 10.
5: Engraved inscription on a stone slab in the eastern sector of Feature 10.

6: Round concentration of limestone flakes under the mound of Feature 10.
6: Round concentration of limestone flakes under the mound of Feature 10.

7: Mother-of-pearl artifact from Feature 10.
7: Mother-of-pearl artifact from Feature 10.

8: View of Feature 7 (excavation unit WG 60).
8: View of Feature 7 (excavation unit WG 60).

9: Fragment of a limestone anchor from the eastern sector of Feature 7.
9: Fragment of a limestone anchor from the eastern sector of Feature 7.