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3D documentation of Mesolithic fish trap remains

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The remains of a Mesolithic fish trap shortly after excavation from a site near the Hill of Tara in Dublin, Ireland.The fish traps have been flattened and well preserved in a peat bog. These finds are extremely fragile, especially once removed from the ground.Recording one of the fish trap remains using 3D laser scanning.Screenshot of a 3D computer model created by laser scanning one of the fish traps.The computer model enables the fish trap to be studied remotely without any risk to the object itself. It can be easily manipulated on-screen. Lighting conditions can be controlled and accurate measurements taken across the surface.Detail of the 3D computer model showing the structure of the fish trap.

In 2006 Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd excavated a site close to the Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland. The excavation unearthed several late Mesolithic (middle stone age) fish traps. The fish traps were made of reeds and rushes woven together. They were conical in shape with a wide entrance at one end where the fish swam in narrowing to a point at the other end where the fish would be caught. Over time, the fish traps have been flattened and well preserved in a peat bog. These finds are extremely fragile, especially once removed from the ground.

Conservation Technologies was asked to accurately document the fish traps using non-contact 3D laser scanning. Soon after excavation, each fish trap was scanned on-site and a highly accurate 3D computer model of each trap produced. In total 19 pieces were scanned.

See Archaeology Ireland| for further information about the fish traps.

Acknowledgements

  • Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd

National Museums Liverpool

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