The Mysteries of Mine Howe, Orkney: 29 Steps Into the Celtic Otherworld...

Mine Howe is a fascinating Iron Age (300BC-400AD) site in Orkney; 29 stone steps leading down into a hillock were surrounded by a huge ditch filled with remnants of feasting and metalworking. Outside this ditch were the uniquely-well preserved remains of a building where metalworking was undertaken, with a woman buried carefully beneath the floor; a murder victim was found outside this building. Many beautiful artefacts were recovered showing fine craftsmanship, and also contact with the Roman empire. This extraordinary site and its surroundings compare with the Irish Royal sites such as Tara. The steps downwards afforded access to the ‘otherworld’; the site is adding greatly to our understandings of Celtic ritual, and of Orkney’s place in this world.


Co-sponsored by the Center for Ancient Studies and Archaeology and the Salem Society of the Archaeological Institute of America, the Lilly Project, and Orkney College.

ASL sign language interpretation is available upon request thanks to an AIA Outreach Grant
by calling 503-370-6654.

Willamette University

Center for Ancient Studies and Archaeology

Address
Gatke Hall
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6920

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