Young Archaeologists' Club (YAC) Archaeological Reconstruction Workshop

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          Young Archaeologists’ Club Archaeological Reconstruction Workshop 

by Oliver Blackmore

(A version of this article first appeared in The Welsh Federation of Museums and Art Galleries newsletter in late 2019)

Newport Museum and Heritage Service cares for an important prehistoric boat plank excavated at Goldcliff, Newport in 1992. The plank dates from a late Bronze Age, approximately 3,000 years ago. Because of its fragile organic composition, the plank has been in storage for the past 27 years. With the help of the Welsh Federation of Museums and Art Galleries, this significant object is now on display and has inspired and engaged the South East Wales branch of the Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC).

 

The Goldcliff Bronze Age boat plank – a challenging object to interpret. 

Newport Museum approached the Welsh Federation for grant aid to help the Service acquire a state-of-the-art display case to make the plank accessible. To help interpret this rather challenging object, Newport Museum commissioned an archaeological illustrator – Anne Leaver to draw a reconstruction based on evidence from Goldcliff and other examples of Bronze Age sewn boats. The Museum also employed the services of Neil Burridge – an expert bronze caster to make replicas of the sort of tools which would have be used to make the boat.


Anne Leaver’s archaeological reconstruction drawing © Anne Leaver

 

As part of this process, Anne and Neil agreed to contribute to YAC session based on Archaeological Reconstruction at the Newport Medieval Ship Centre. Curator of the Newport Ship – Dr Toby Jones introduced the boat plank to the group and explained its discovery and significance. Anne Leaver then went on to explain her reconstruction drawing and how the archaeological evidence from Goldcliff informed its composition. The YAC group were then given an opportunity to draw artefacts in the Ship Centre. For the grand finale, Neil Burridge cast a South Wales type socketed axe head and a Wilburton type sword.


              








Neil Burridge pours molten bronze into an axe mould and washes the newly cast sword

South Wales type socketed axe, Wilburton type sword and socketed gouge made by Neil Burridge. Now on display in Newport Museum.

Rebecca Eversley – YAC leader said “Our group has been running for 25 years this year and our aim is to teach about the various methods of archaeology and make every possible opportunity, accessible to the group. Our visit provided so many glimpses into different roles and in such a fun way. Many of the group are hoping to become archaeologists and it is always a pleasure working with experts who will give some time to young people in order to talk about their role and passions. This meeting has left an impression on many of our group and we are looking forward to more collaborations such as this.”

 

        


Anne Leaver shares her drawing skills and YAC members interview Neil Burridge

 













The session was documented by the YAC group, who were given iPads and taught how to Vlog by Emma Newrick – Newport’s Fusion Manager (now Project Coordinator –  Transporter Bridge Transformation).

The Goldcliff plank is now on display in its new case in Newport Museum’s brand new Prehistory exhibition. It is exhibited underneath Anne Leaver’s brilliant reconstruction to add context. All the replicas made by Neil Burridge are also on display alongside a film of Neil casting them during the YAC session.

The Goldcliff plank in the new Prehistory displays at Newport Museum and Art Gallery


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