THE handprint of a Pictish metalsmith who worked a forge more than 1,000 years ago has been discovered on Orkney.
Archaeologists discovered the rare finger marks, along with what's thought to be a kneeprint, in the remains of an Iron Age workshop on the island of Rousay.
The carbon imprints were spotted on a large large 'anvil' stone and came to light after it was excavated from a semi-subterranean building which is part of a substantial Iron Age settlement that is being destroyed by the sea.
The anvil stone
The anvil stone is being examined as part of a project directed by Dr Julie Bond and Dr Stephen Dockrill, both of the University of Bradford.
The building was already identified as a site where metalworking took place, due to the deposits of melted ore and ingots on the ground.
However, the tangible traces of its inhabitant took archaeologists by surprise.
Dr Dockrill said: "Work by archaeometallurgist Dr Gerry McDonnell, including analysis of crucible fragments and the floor deposits, has demonstrated that a copper smith worked in the building.
"The analysis of the floor enables us to say with confidence where the smith worked, next to a hearth and two stone anvils."
"The biggest surprise came when we lifted the larger stone anvil and cleaned it, we could see carbon imprints of the smith's knees and hands.''
The small cellular building, dating to a period between the 6th to 9th century AD, was buried in fallen stones.
It was entered via steps and a curved corridor, which would have minimised the amount of light entering the smithy, allowing the smith to assess the temperature of the hot metal based on its colour.
The centre was dominated by the hearth, with a set upright stone on the doorward side protecting the hearth fire from drafts.
- READ MORE: Broch casts light on Picts’ Roman contacts
The project is funded by the Swandro Orkney Coastal Archaeology Trust, Historic Environment Scotland, National Lottery, University of Bradford, Orkney Islands Council, Rousay Development Trust and the Orkney Archaeological Society.
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