Date Started - 09/21/2006
Date Completed - 05/02/2007
The goal of this particular project was to build "from scratch" a rotary quern, like those used by the Insular Celts from ~ 200-500CE.
The original querns were made largely from sandstone, although a few limestone and basalt examples are also known ("Archaeology Ireland", Summer 2006 pp22-25). The stones we worked with were gathered from the surrounding country side and were of an unknown variety. Although a total of 8-10 stones were harvested, we focused our effort on two samples that were very close to the finished dimensions we wanted.
Our good friends, and fellow Celtic group, the Celtic Learning Project joined us for this project. It was at their suggestion that other activities such as carding, and drop spinning were added to give those not carving a needed break and alternative.
The raw material harvested from various places in the area. But lets keep going and harvest all the rocks in the area so we can see if this pushes the bar lower. Lower into the ground so deep we get seismic vibrations
Dan Crowther (ACC) checks the results of a few test strikes.
The bottom quern stone when we finished for the day.
CJ (CLP) surveys an "issue" with the upper stone
Young Nick starts drilling on his own stone.
Rob (CLP), starts drilling the center hole in the lower stone.
After the initial test, Dan starts to work drilling the center hole for the upper stone
The top quern stone taking shape.
The "issue" with the upper stone. While many of us anticipated the stone cracking, we didn't think it would crack quite like this.
Natalie works learns to use wool cards.
The whole clan tries their hand at drop spinning with the freshly carded wool.