Neolithic hurdles, woven from hazel, have been found in Waton Heath, in the Somerset Levels. Following a report in Antiquity that it would take eight hours to make a hurdle, the aim of this experiment was to estimate the time taken to weave one of these hurdles, using Neolithic tools. Hazel stems were selected and prepared and the hurdle was subsequently woven, this took two experienced men less than two hours, making the manufacture of hurdles a much simpler and faster process than was previously thought.
Coles, J.M. and Darrah, R., 1977. Experimental Investigations in Hurdle-Making. In Somerset Levels Papers. Stephen Austin, 1977. pp. 32-38
2. The Long Barrow at Haddenham
This regards the oak timbers found at the Neolithic barrow excavated in Haddenham. Two major areas are covered: The evidence for tangential splitting as the method used to produce the large planks of wood and a description of the trees from which the timber was sourced. He also conducted the Minsmere experiment (see below). The main conclusions are: That the evidence suggests the main timbers used in construction at Haddenham were produced by tangential splitting. Most of the timbers appear to have come from one large oak tree with a 10m trunk and 1.5m diameter. This would have grown in a high forest.
Top picture: radial splitting. Bottom picture: tangential splitting.
Darrah, R. 2006. Wood Technology. In Evans, C., Hodder, I., A Woodland Archaeology: Neolithic Sites at Haddenham. McDonald Institute Monographs, 2006 p.118-130
3. The Minsmere Experiment
As part of Richards evaluation of the Barrow at Haddenham, the Minsmere experiment was undertaken. A large oak tree was split in order to demonstrate splitting techniques and estimate time requirements. This allowed him to demonstrate that the planks had been tangentially split. The time taken to split the timbers needed for the structure would have been approximately 40 hours.
tangentially split planks
Richard splitting an oak tree using only wooden tools
1. Experiments in Hurdle Making
