Pit in Conva

Series of at least 27 maculae, visible in aerial photographs (CASAP, July 1989), in same field as circular enclosure (13522) and enclosures (13736,13737); apparently randomly distributed though six are in linear sequence (NW-SE). Though none was fully excavated, four were investigated (Doody 1995b, 24-38) along with the enclosures (13736,13522) and were found to indicate pits. Pit F36 (diam. 3.6m; D 0.7m) had broad U-shaped profile with flat irregular base; foundation trench with five post-holes cut into base; further three post-holes also cut into base. Fill of pit consisted of layers of silty sand, stony soil and stones. Second pit F43 dug into pit F36 after it had silted up; incompletely excavated (max. recorded dims. 1.1m x 0.65m; D 0.45m); fill composed of 'silty sand with minute charcoal inclusions' and one piece of iron slag (ibid., 34). Pit F180 (Wth 3.1m; D 0.9m) had undulating sides and pointed base with fill of natural silt. Pit F163 (Wth 2.8m at top, 2.3m at base; D 0.8m-1.2m) steep sided and irregular; small pit dug into base; fill of sandy silts with charcoal inclusions and occasional large stones. Radiocarbon date of 1525± 43 BP (447-596 cal. AD; UB-3638) was obtained from basal fill of pit F163, though the excavator comments that 'given the inconsistencies in the dates from the site, it would be injudicious to accept this date at face value' (ibid., 35). In general, Doody (ibid., 36) concluded that 'at least some of the large pits may be the earliest features on site'. Their function is uncertain: there was nothing to suggest a use for storage; two had features dug into their bases suggesting that some sort of superstructure may have existed over them (ibid., 37). Similar cropmarks at Ballycushen (13850).