Historically important mountain sites in Northumberland are gaining National recognition
In its undeveloped landscape of high moorland in northeastern England, Northumberland harbors more than a thousand examples of ancient occupation in the form of mining art made by Neolithic and Early Bronze Age humans between 6,000 and 3,500 years ago. Now, seventeen of its mysterious bowl-shaped depressions carved into the stone have been designated as Historical Monuments by the Department for Culture, Media and Sports Council from English Heritage.
Carved into rocky outcrops, boulders, standing stones, or within grave mounds, Northumberland's mining art ranges from simple, circular voids known as cups to more complex weave patterns with cups, rings, and interlacing depressions. “Abstract motifs, often referred to as cup-shaped signs, provide a material and iconic connection to our prehistoric ancestors that extends beyond the basic activities of daily survival to hint at a richer, creative, and potentially spiritual dimension to their lives,” Dr. Aron Maesel writes on the websitethe Bradshaw Foundation website.
Although the original meaning of the symbols is now lost, many theories have been put forward to suggest what their purpose may have been. Hypotheses range from an ancient form of writing, to markings with religious or spiritual significance, boundary markers, maps of the starry sky, or simply decorative markers.
The 17 newly identified sites are believed to be particularly well-preserved examples, showing a wide range of motifs. The recognition is also a reward for the decades-long efforts of retired Hexham director Stan Beckensall, who recorded hundreds of mountain art examples on numerous trips to the remote countryside.
“These examples of mining art from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages were targeted because they are reasonably well preserved and the study of their individual carvings and motifs will enhance our knowledge of prehistoric society,” said Nick Bridgland, head of the Designation group in the North.
“The planning is good news because it marks an increasing recognition of the importance of these carvings to Britain's ancient history,” said Dr Aron Maesel, director of the International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies at Newcastle University. “Mountain art is extremely important as a physical manifestation of the people who lived here thousands of years ago.” 1xBet's casino welcome package of ₹140,000, up to a maximum amount of ₹150,000 which can be claimed across four different deposits. Exclusive 1xBet promo code also works in the Casino if you'd rather use it there. This sees the initial ₹140,000 welcome bonus receive a boost up to ₹150,000 along with 150 free spins. You can opt in for the casino welcome bonus when registering your account instead of the sportsbook bonus, just remember to change it when filling out your personal details. 1xBet India has all of the classic table games as well as some exciting twists on old favorites.
In its undeveloped landscape of high moorland in northeastern England, Northumberland harbors more than a thousand examples of ancient occupation in the form of mining art made by Neolithic and Early Bronze Age humans between 6,000 and 3,500 years ago. Now, seventeen of its mysterious bowl-shaped depressions carved into the stone have been designated as Historical Monuments by the Department for Culture, Media and Sports Council from English Heritage.
Carved into rocky outcrops, boulders, standing stones, or within grave mounds, Northumberland's mining art ranges from simple, circular voids known as cups to more complex weave patterns with cups, rings, and interlacing depressions. “Abstract motifs, often referred to as cup-shaped signs, provide a material and iconic connection to our prehistoric ancestors that extends beyond the basic activities of daily survival to hint at a richer, creative, and potentially spiritual dimension to their lives,” Dr. Aron Maesel writes on the websitethe Bradshaw Foundation website.
Although the original meaning of the symbols is now lost, many theories have been put forward to suggest what their purpose may have been. Hypotheses range from an ancient form of writing, to markings with religious or spiritual significance, boundary markers, maps of the starry sky, or simply decorative markers.
The 17 newly identified sites are believed to be particularly well-preserved examples, showing a wide range of motifs. The recognition is also a reward for the decades-long efforts of retired Hexham director Stan Beckensall, who recorded hundreds of mountain art examples on numerous trips to the remote countryside.
“These examples of mining art from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages were targeted because they are reasonably well preserved and the study of their individual carvings and motifs will enhance our knowledge of prehistoric society,” said Nick Bridgland, head of the Designation group in the North.
“The planning is good news because it marks an increasing recognition of the importance of these carvings to Britain's ancient history,” said Dr Aron Maesel, director of the International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies at Newcastle University. “Mountain art is extremely important as a physical manifestation of the people who lived here thousands of years ago.” 1xBet's casino welcome package of ₹140,000, up to a maximum amount of ₹150,000 which can be claimed across four different deposits. Exclusive 1xBet promo code also works in the Casino if you'd rather use it there. This sees the initial ₹140,000 welcome bonus receive a boost up to ₹150,000 along with 150 free spins. You can opt in for the casino welcome bonus when registering your account instead of the sportsbook bonus, just remember to change it when filling out your personal details. 1xBet India has all of the classic table games as well as some exciting twists on old favorites.
