Monument record MHG55328 - Cut features and Early Bronze Age pottery, Dalmore Farm, Alness

151 sherds of Early Bronze Age ritual pottery were recovered from a single trench during an archaeological evaluation of land at Dalmore Farm. The trench contained a number of pits of uncertain, but possibly prehistoric, date. The pits were all ill-defined and apparently disturbed by former root action. Other features in the trench were probably of natural origin. Some of the shers were recovered from within the topsoil, and none were from secure contexts owing to severe disturbance from rabbit burrowing and root action. A high proportion of rims was noted, suggesting they had originally been placed upside down in pits.
This pottery was examined by Beverley Ballin Smith of GUARD and most sherds were identified as Early Bronze Age. There may be at least three different collared urns, to judge by the decoration. There is a significant portion of one vessel; another, with piercing and fingernail decoration is very unusual, and a third has vertical finger dimple decoration. There is also an isolated sherd with stab and drag decoration. There may be at least three different collared urns, to judge by the decoration. There is a significant portion of one vessel; another, with piercing and fingernail decoration is very unusual, and a third has vertical finger dimple decoration. There is also an isolated sherd with stab and drag decoration. A full discussion of the ceramics and any other finds will be included with the final report. <1><2>