Banjo enclosure
Encyclopedia
In archaeology
, Banjo enclosure is the name given to a type of archaeological feature
of the British
middle Iron Age
. They are so named because in plan they consist of a small round area with a long entrance track leading inwards from one direction. This gives them the appearance in plan of frying pans or banjo
s. The enclosure is defined by a low bank and ditch. The earthworks at the end of the track are sometimes turned outwards, creating a funnel effect. They used to be thought of as small farming settlements occupied between around 400 and 100 BC, however because of the lack of finds relating to settlements they are currently thought to be probably seasonal ritual centres where feasting occurred.
Archaeology
Archaeology, or archeology , is the study of human society, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes...
, Banjo enclosure is the name given to a type of archaeological feature
Enclosure (archaeology)
In archaeology, an enclosure is one of the most common types of archaeological site. It is any area of land separated from surrounding land by earthworks, walls or fencing. Such a simple feature is found all over the world and during almost all archaeological periods...
of the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
middle Iron Age
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
. They are so named because in plan they consist of a small round area with a long entrance track leading inwards from one direction. This gives them the appearance in plan of frying pans or banjo
Banjo
In the 1830s Sweeney became the first white man to play the banjo on stage. His version of the instrument replaced the gourd with a drum-like sound box and included four full-length strings alongside a short fifth-string. There is no proof, however, that Sweeney invented either innovation. This new...
s. The enclosure is defined by a low bank and ditch. The earthworks at the end of the track are sometimes turned outwards, creating a funnel effect. They used to be thought of as small farming settlements occupied between around 400 and 100 BC, however because of the lack of finds relating to settlements they are currently thought to be probably seasonal ritual centres where feasting occurred.
Sources
- Winton H., Possible Iron Age 'Banjo' Enclosures on the Lambourn Downs, Oxoniensia LXVIII (2003).