Petroglyth pecking at Bryn Celli Ddu!

 Ancient Arts took part in a very successful Summer Solstice celebration at Bryn Celli Dddu at the weekend.

A replica of the pecked stone found at Bryn Celli Ddu (a Neolithic passage grave). The original stone is at the National Museum in Cardiff. Bryn Celli Ddu is thought to have been built to marked the summer solstice. It is also suggested that year round alignments allowed the site to be used as an agricultural calendar.

As part of a Summer Solstice event organised by Cadw, Ancient Arts undetook some on site stone pecking to show how the design was made on the stone. Here Dave demonstrates the real use of a wheel barrow! The important burial chamber is behind.

Due to the time limit involved we chose a smaller stone for the stone pecking and 'pounced' onto the surface. (The design is drawn onto fabric or paper and small holes punched through along the lines of the design. Chalk or charocoal is then rubbed over the holes transferring the design onto the surface!) 

A knapped stone (knapped to form a sharp point) is then used to tap or peck the design into the surface of the stone. 

Progress was steady. Every now and then the pecking tool has to be re-knapped as the point wears down. 

Because this is a protected ancient monument we were very careful to collect all our stone knapping debris and take it with us. However, originally the waste flakes produced by knapping the tools were probably just left and may be identifiable by careful excavation.

More hard work! 

The finished petroglyth next to the 'orignial'. Our 'little brother' was given to Cadw. Thanks to all who came along and to Cadw for this wonderful opportunity to work 'on site'.