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ARCHAEOLOGYUVIC
March / April 2013Dolmen Edition
Russias Ancient Dolmens Give Rise to Sacred
Modern Meaning
United Kingdom: Art and Architecture of
Portal Tombs
Patterned Orientations
in Jordan: An Astronomical, Religious, and Mythological
Mystery
Korea: Dolmen Capitalof the World
PLUS:Fun Facts about Dolmens,Engineering of the Past
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urna magna,neque eget lacus. Maecenas felis nunc aliquam ac
consequat vitae.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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About the Contributors
Introduction to Dolmens
Engineering of the Past
Russias Ancient Dolmens Give Rise to Sacred Modern Meaning
United Kingdom: Art and Architecture of Portal Tombs
Patterned Orientations in Jordan: An Astronomical, Religious,
and Mythological Mystery
Korea: Dolmen Capital of the World
Fun Facts about Dolmens
Bibliography
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3Bona Yun I am in my third year at University of Victoria,
majoring in Anthropology. Enjoying
napping and watching sitcoms to pass time, I cried when Michael
Jackson died, and once again fell in love with Marilyn Manroe,
watching her signature movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Why do you like Archaeology?It is fascinating to re-enter the
past and get a glimpse what it could have been like.
Archaeology is time-less as long as we have a future.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS
Britney OswellHi, my name is Britney. I am a third year
anthropology major with a particular interest in
archaeology.
Why do you like Archaeology?Archaeology has added a whole new
realm my fascination with and love of
anthropology. I am continually amazing by what archaeologists
learn about the past from burials and human remains as well as
other archaeological remains. I am especially interested in the in
the interplay of gender and social status in mortuary
practices.
Darcy Butler I am a fourth year archaeology student who
continues to develop an interest in this area of anthropology.
Why do you like Archaeology? The best part about archaeology is
getting the opportunity to learn about our history as a people. By
interpreting the past, it allows us to learn more about ourselves
as well. I look forward to expanding my involvement within
archaeology.
Rebecca Doyle I'm a 4th year anthropology student with a focus
in biological anthropology. I specialize in osteology and
forensics.
Why do you like Archaeology? I enjoy archaeology because it
allows for a mixture of hard science and creative
interpretation.
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4Whats a Dolmen?
dolmen [dohl-men, -muhn, dol-] noun Archaeologya structure
usually regarded as a tomb, consisting of two or more large,
upright stones set with a space between and capped by a horizontal
stone.
Dictionary.com
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5Dolmens are ancient stone structures from Neolithic times that
take many forms and functions. Typically, dolmens consists of three
vertical walls toped with a flat stone slabs Dolmens are found all
over the world, and the details of each structure vary across
regions. Dolmens are prehistoric burial chambers. They are also
known as portal tombs (Corlett, 2012). Due to the effort associated
with erecting these large stone monuments, dolmens are believed to
be burial markers for leaders, elites and other significant members
of society (Osenton, 2001). Historically and contemporarily,
dolmens also serve as places of worship and ritual (Markovin,
2002).
Archaeologists use the many dolmens found throughout the world
to gain glimpses into the values and beliefs of those who lived in
the past. In particular, they help archaeologists gain a better
understanding of the rituals and beliefs regarding death, burial
and the afterlife of peoples in the past. Due to the fact that
dolmens are found across many geographical areas, they are likely
to have originated independently in distinct regions. This is
particularly apparent in the different dolmens found throughout the
world.
This dolmen edition will further explore some of the fascinating
aspects of dolmens, and also take a closer look at some of the
different dolmens found in locations across the world, including
Korea, Russia, Jordan and the United Kingdom.
IrelandJordanRussia Korea
Fig 1.
Fig 5.Fig 4.Fig 3.Fig 2.
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7ENGINEERING OF THE PAST Building dolmens requires significant
effort and planning. Large amounts of energy are necessary to
quarry and transport the stones involved in the construction of
dolmens. The capstones, which can weigh from 10-100 tons, require
particularly large amounts of energy (Lee, 2007). The construction
of dolmens necessitates the assembly of specialists, large amounts
of laborers and properly prepared stones. Lee (2007) states that
these requirements suggest the ancient societies that built dolmens
must have lived in an agricultural based society. This social
structure would have allowed for the labor specialization and
sufficient central power to organize the individuals performing the
necessary labor to create a dolmen (Lee, 2007). In creating
dolmens, innovative engineering methods were used to transport and
correctly place the stones. There are many theories proposed to
explain the methods used in prehistoric megalithic engineering
(Osenton, 2001). In an experimental archaeology investigation,
Osenton (2001) and team set out to reproduce megalithic
construction techniques that were as close to the archeological
record as possible. Using only axe-based technology, it was found
that a clear command structure and
coordination was necessary to transport and lift heavy capstones
(Osenton, 2001). These team skills had to develop before efficient
building was possible; however, once established it was evident
that a small community could construct megaliths of up to 10 tons
relatively quickly (Osenton, 2001). In his article about the
orientation of dolmens in Western Europe, Hoskin (2008) suggests
that is was possible for a single family to construct a modest size
of the megalithic tomb in a few days.
The construction of larger dolmens would have required much more
skill and effort. Through the difficulties encountered, Osentons
(2001) experiment showed that, unlike common preconceptions,
prehistoric construction did not use brute force, but rather
employed specific skills and well orchestrated teamwork. These
large stone monuments are significant achievements of construction,
and are found all over the world, attesting to the skill and
organization of Mesolithic societies. The significant effort
required in dolmen constructions suggests that social standing
played a central role in dictating those individuals who were
interred within dolmens (Lee, 2007).
Fig 6.
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8Fig 7.
Fig 8.
Fig 9.
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Dolmens, common simple stone structures, are most commonly
described as ancient burial chambers. They are considered to be
relics from long ago that hold little importance today. However,
dolmens along the Western Caucasus of Russia have become modern
sites of pilgrimage and worship, according to Markovin (2002). He
also believes that this modern fascination with prehistoric stone
structures is a result of Vladimir Merges series of books Ringing
Cedars of Russia (Markovin, 2002).
Merge dates the dolmens in this area back ten thousand years,
which predates the Egyptian pyramids. Archaeologically, these
dolmens date to the Neolithic in eighth millennium B.C. (Markovin,
2002). In spite of their antiquity, these dolmens have been
inscribed with functional meaning for modern people. In his books,
Merge suggests that dolmens were erected for venerable people.
These people included chiefs, who withdrew into the dolmens for
eternal meditation. While there are very few studies on Western
Caucasian dolmens, Merges books have influenced the construction of
modern meanings surrounding dolmens in Western Russia.
Every dolmen is treated as a monument of wisdom and great sacr
ifice of the spir i t for the sake of future generations (Merge
1998, p.39 as sited in Markovin, 2002). Sitting in the presence of
these ancient dolmens is thought to provide answers and guidance,
since dolmens are considered to be repositories of ancient
knowledge. The veneration of dolmens
in the West Caucasus is not an entirely new phenomenon, and they
were documented in the nineteenth century (Lavrov, 1960 as sited in
Markovin, 2002). Europeans have also been known to worship dolmens
throughout time (Marsiro, 1998 as cited in Markovin, 2002).The
conviction that the dolmens walls preserve the breath and energy of
ancient peoples has been suggested to be the cause of their
mystical nature and worship. In this case, it is not the structure
per se that is the focus, but rather the presence of the ancient
remains of spirits that is held within the form of a dolmen.
In his article The Powerful Dead: Archaeological Relationships
between the Living and the Dead Parker Pearson (1993) argues that
the dead can be powerful influences on human society. The case of
these dolmens in Russia is a perfect example of the dead having
agency over the living. This is an interesting case, because there
is no evidence that the living folk are related to or even aware of
whom the dolmens contain. Those within the dolmens are considered
bearers of ancient wisdom, which suggests that they still possess
high status, even in death. As Pearson emphasizes, it is the living
that construct these relationships with the dead. In the case of
Western Caucasus Dolmens, there are reports of profound effects on
even doubtful visitors who sit in the presence of these ancient
structures.
Ancient Dolmens Give Rise to Sacred Modern Meaning Fig 10.
Fig 11.
Fig 12.
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UNITED KINGDOM: ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE OF
PORTAL TOMBSMost megalithics in the United Kingdom are known
as
passage tombs, however, there are actually roughly five
categories of megalithics found in the United Kingdom. Our focus in
this article are the portal and passage tombs. These tombs are
known as Dolmens in both the middle east and asia.
The major difference between portal tombs and passage tombs is
the passageway that follows the entry way. If that passage is long,
the tomb is referred to as a passage tomb. If there is little to no
passageway, the tomb is referred to as a portal tomb (Robin,
2010).
Several elements go into the construction of a portal tomb in
the United Kingdom, but there does seem to be a general
pattern. There is nearly always a capstone in the entry, which
is supported by two or more upright stones called orthostats
(Robin, 2010; Wordwell, 1997). These entry ways are somewhat
shorter and stouter than the dolmens found in the Middle East or
Asia. Following the entry way there are often passages that are
sometimes lined with orthostats, sometimes with smaller cobbles or
boulders (Cooney, 1997; Robin, 2010).
The tombs in which individuals are buried tend to be surrounded
by concentric walls or passages. These also appear to be roofed,
and subsequently covered in an assortment of materials ranging from
sand to handmade clay boulders. These materials are collectively
referred to as tumulus. The overall shape of the tombs are
generally circular in shape and are called cairns (Cooney, 1997;
Robin, 2010).
Fig 13.
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Many portal tombs have more than one chamber in which
individuals may be placed, either interred, or after their remains
are cremated. There seems to be a pattern that is based on presumed
gender (Robin 2010). We find more females on the right hand side of
the tombs and more children on the left hand side of the tombs. In
addition, the males tend to buried in the chambers in the centre of
the tombs. We can also see patterns based on age, but this is less
common (Robin, 2010).
Individuals are often accompanied by a variety of goods and
sometimes even furniture. Items such as pins, beads, and pendants,
as well as goods and tools like polished stone balls, axes, and
weapons are found within the tombs. These goods are arranged in
patterns that seem to be specific to different types of tombs. They
can also range in quality from very rich items to very simple
items. They are most often composed of wood, bone or tooth, or
stone (Robin, 2010).
Inside the tombs, we will often see decorations on threshhold or
sill stones which are found at the bases of the entry ways of both
the tomb and interior chambers, and on the walls of the chambers
and passageways (OSullivan & Downey, 2012; Robin, 2010). These
will often be motifs of
geometric patterns including lines, arches, spirals, chevrons,
and lozenges (OSullivan & Downey, 2012; Robin, 2010).
Interestingly, the designs are more often elaborate and
concentrated to the right hand side of the tombs (Robin, 2010).
This artwork has recently been the major focus of portal
research. OSullivan and Downey discuss the various aspects of the
artwork found in portal tombs. They find that most of the work is
located on orthostats. However, they also note that the more
complex and interesting designs are found on what are called the
kerbstones. Kerbstones are sones that that form the concentric
rings surrounding the inner chamber. They also define two different
categories of artwork: Descriptive, meaning two dimensional motifs,
usually geometric patterns, and Plastic, meaning art that plays on
the natural surface of the stone. Plastic art will often overlay
descriptive art, and is only found on surfaces accessible after the
tombs were built... (OSullivan & Downey, 2012).
The portal tombs of the United Kingdom are representative of the
Neolithic time period, which roughly spans 4000- 2500 BCE. The
physical and creative effort that went into creating these
monuments has lasted for
thousands of years. This leaves archaeologists to wonder over
the divisions of gender, property, and social status. It also
allows them to admire the art, architecture, and even play of light
through and over the stones that make up these ancient tombs.
Opposite: A portal tomb at sunset, Clare Co., Ireland
Bottom Left: A kerbstone at Knowth, displaying a variety of
artwork commonly found in portal tombs
Bottom Middle: A rough distribution of portal tombs in
Ireland
Bottom Right: An orthostat, showing common forms of artwork.
Fig 14. Fig 15.
Fig 16.
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The consistency of dolmen orientation across Jordan appears to
facilitate a particular pattern of customized construction. This
arrangement has raised speculation in regards to the roots of
megalithic monuments' in funerary customs, and the relationship
their orientation may have with the astronomy, r e l i g i o n , a
n d m y t h o l o g y o f thePalestinianculture.The majority of the
dolmens throughout the Jordan Valley date to c. 3000 B. C., and are
primarily oriented north-south direction (Yassine, K., 1985).
The findings at the Damiyah dolmen fields in Jordan confirmed to
the use of these megalithic monuments as tombs. Pottery findings,
as a result of excavation, have allowed archaeologists to date
these dolmens to the Early Bronze Age. This research has also
produced evidence of skeletal remains, which further confirm the
use of these dolmens for funerary purposes (Yassine, K., 1985).
Jordanian tombs are made from travertine and Ramia sandstone. They
are also const ruc ted w i th ex t reme ly la rge "capstones" that
are placed horizontally on top of two alternative supporting
stones, which are placed in a lower and vertical position (World
Monuments Fund, 2013).
There are two specific locations w i t h i n t h e r e g i o n t
h a t h a v e a r c h a e o t o p o g r a p h i c a l l y a n d
archaeoastronomically investigated the contributions of dolmens'
orientation within the Jordan Valley in terms of funerary customs:
Ala Safat and Tell al Matabi. The dolmens at the necropolis of Ala
Safat are dated to the Palestinian Early Bronze Age, and the
majority of them are oriented to the north (Belmonte, J. A., 2013).
The site referred to as Tell al Matabi contains dolmens that are
dated around the early to middle fourth millennium BC, and they are
primarily oriented south-east and south (Belmonte, J. A., 2013).
These two groups of dolmens are located on the south and east
coasts of the Levant, which is the eastern part of the
Mediterranean. They are also some of the most distinctive in style,
as well as largest in size, in the Jordan Valley. In particular, at
Ala Safat, there have been a number of theories generated to
explain the role of cultural astronomy in the dolmens' orientation
within the Jordan Valley.
Patterned Orientation in Jordan: An Astronomical,
Religious, and Mythological Mystery
Fig 17.
Fig 18.
Fig 19.
Fig 20.
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The first theory is that they may have been oriented in relation
to the northern stars (Belmonte, J. A., 2013). With this
orientation, the past builders of these Jordanian dolmens may have
been following a similar funerary structural pattern and set of
beliefs as the ancient Egyptians. The ancient Egyptians were only
250 km southwest from the Jordan Valley. During the early third
millennium BC, the ancient Egyptians had also began construction of
megalithic monuments that were interpreted as being oriented
according to astronomical beliefs in relation to their funerary
practices (Belmonte, J. A., 2013). Since a well-known re lat
ionship ex is ted among the Ear ly Palestinian Bronze Culture and
the early dynasties of Egypt, it is possible that they were
influencing each other. As a result, these two cultures potentially
shared the same funerary and astronomical beliefs.
A second theory to explain the orientation of the dolmens in the
Jordan Valley is that they were oriented to face either the sunrise
or sunset (Belmonte, J. A., 2013). Most of the dolmens in the Golan
area, which is north of Ala Safat, are oriented to the north and
east. In addition, the backstones of the nineteen north facing
dolmens at Ala Safat have a tendency to run parallel with a
direction that does not fall out of range with the rising or
setting sun, which is 61 to 199 degrees (Belmonte, J. A., 2013).
However, more information is needed in order to support this
theory." The third theory is that the dolmens in this region have
been oriented to be either perpendicular, or parallel, to the
Jordan River (Belmonte, J. A., 2013). This once again draws from
the understanding that the Jordanian builders in the past may have
shared certain cultural beliefs with the ancient Egyptians. It is
believed that a number of ancient Egyptian structures have been
oriented in relation to the Nile River in this same way (Belmonte,
J. A., 2013). Therefore, it is possible that the Jordanian builders
in the past may have carried out the same practice. However, on its
own, this theory cannot be a possible explanation because it
requires the information derived from both the first and second
theory to be a viable option.
In contrast, the dolmens found at Tell al Matabi are not
understood to be oriented due to astronomy. Instead, these dolmens
are believed to be oriented according to a pre-established custom
or pattern of construction. This may be the result of a
paradigmatic case of archaeotopogrpahy, since seventy-five percent
of the dolmens at this site are oriented towards Mount Nebo. This
is a scared landscape in Jordan, since it is historically
acknowledged as the burial site of Moses (Belmonte, J. A., 2013).
Therefore, this provides speculation into the possibility that the
dolmens may have been oriented due to the religious beliefs of the
region.
A survey of dolmen fields in the Upper Wadi Zarqua Valley in
Jordan has also produced an alternative hypothesis that takes into
consideration the Palestinian cultures mythology in explaining the
orientation of the tombs. This theory may sti l l incorporate
astronomy, however, in some cases, these two realms can be
intertwined. For example, the god Dumuzi in Palestinian mythology
may have had a great
influence on funerary practices during the Early Bronze Age in
the Near Eastern regions. He symbolized fertility of the land, and
may possibly have been the reason for the amount of south facing
dolmens in this region. It may be further interpreted then that the
dolmens are oriented in relation to the presumed location of the
myth Orion during the Winter Solstice (Polcaro, A., & Polcaro,
V. F., 2006). However, there is insufficient evidence to support
these claims about mythology as a definitive motivation for the
orientation of the dolmens in this region.
A l though there a re many theories as to why the Jordanian
dolmen builders in the past have oriented them in a very apparent
custom of organization, modern archaeologists do not have a
definitive answer as to why this was so. In order to confirm the
link between dolmen orientation and funerary customs rooted in the
astronomy, religion, or mythology of Palestinian culture, it is
necessary to conduct further research in this area.
Fig 21.
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Forty percent of the worlds dolmens are found in Korea (Paik,
2007). With this concentration, the 20,000 dolmens found in Korea
make up the largest concentration of dolmens in the world. It is
believed that the dolmens found in Korea were created in the late
Neolithic to early Bronze Age (The Trustees of the British Museum,
2000).
Many different types of dolmen styles are found throughout
Korea. These can be classified as Northern, Southern, and Capstone.
(The Trustees of the British Museum, 2000). Because of the large
numbers of table type dolmens found in Northern Korea, these are
classified as Northern. The Northern type diffused to central and
southern regions with morphological changes along the way. The
presence of the Southern type was also occurring at the same time.
Concurrently, dolmens also continued to increase in size. It is
thought that dolmens became too large and onerous to create.
Consequently, regions adopted more convenient and less time
consuming ways to bury their dead (Rhee and Choi, 1992).
The capstone type of dolmens is a large stone lying flat on
ground, like a coffin, which are commonly associated with the cist
jar burials. This type of burial is through to be younger those
traditions found in Northern part of Korea (The Trustees of the
British Museum, 2000).
The Southern dolmens have a large flat boulder covering piles of
stones. Individuals in the Southern part of Korea invested more
effort into building dolmens and performing burial rituals. This is
apparent in the elaborate size of dolmens and the expensive
offerings, such as the bronze objects and red burnished pots, which
are only present in the South (Rhee and Choi, 1992).
Korean archaeologists have identified that dolmens may be linked
to hierarchy (Lee, 2007). However, due to the frequent nature of
dolmens in Korea, it must also be recognized that Dolmens are not
only created to mark individuals of high social status (Kim, 2004).
The artifacts found within dolmens can serve as possible markers of
social status.
Korea: Dolmen Capital
of the World
Fig 22. Fig 23.
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The majority of dolmens in Korea are not associated with
artifacts, but a small number of sites have been found with
artifacts. The artifacts found within dolmen tombs have been
recognized as significant or key artifacts (Kim, 2004). These
noteworthy artifacts are thought to reflect the higher wealth and
social status of those interred within dolmens. The most common
burial items are stone blades and arrowheads, this suggests that
those individuals found with stone tools are a part of the commoner
level of the society (Kim, 2004). Often only a single stone blade
is buried with the individual, but in some places there are several
dozens of stone arrowheads, which also shows the different levels
within the commoner level (Kim, 2004). Ceramics are the next most
frequently found grave good. Following ceramics, Red-polish
earthenware potter with painted patterns is thought to signal more
elite social status (Kim, 2004). Lee (2007) suggests that the red
is considered to be used for royal and associated with the colour
of blood that could fend off evil spirits. Red earthenware is meant
to symbolize revival in the afterlife and protection from
misfortune (Lee, 2007).
Some archaeologists propose that jewelry and other clothing
decorations are placed with the individual, unearthing it with
crescent-shaped and cylindrical jade beads (Lee, 2007).
Stone and bronze blades are also status symbols. Stone blades
are very unique to Korean dolmens and only 4 bronze materials are
found within Korea. However, these could not be linked as one as
the levels of the status, since they are known to be found within
different periods. Archaeologists suggest that they are placed
within certain time period where bronze could have been more
valuable than stone tools. However the dating of the arrowheads and
bronze artifacts suggests that they are from different time spans.
For this reason, the Bronze should not be considered in an analysis
of Neolithic dolmens in Korea.
Dolmens which are fascinated by many have been reconstructed and
rebuilt for appreciation and to test how much effort they are in
need to make them. To appreciate the megalithic cultures, Kochang
city locals did a hands- on construction of the small northern type
dolmen. It included 200 enthusiastic students with an energetic
chief to participate making of the dolmen. They used only wooden
rollers and ropes to drag the capstone on top. This was achieved in
half an hour (Walsh, 1999). The blocks of stones are retrieved by
wedges and spikes that are drive into the seams and cracks of stone
surfaces. There has been evidence of wedge implements during
quarrying process at Sucheon region (Lee, 2007).
From the far right: Many dolmens within the Chilgok region are
recovered with stone blades and arrow heads.
A checkerboard type of dolmen replica model in South-western
Korea.
Middle: A dolmen from Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen sites
that United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) has listed in the World Heritage List.
A red burnished pottery that has been reconstructed, which was
associated within the dolmen it was located in.
Far left: Dressed up in caveman outfit, the group of Korean
students participate in the demonstration experiment of dolmen
building. Dragging the boulder up a mound of earthen material with
using only ropes and logs, 200 students were able to make a smaller
version of the dolmen replica.
Fig 24.
Fig 25. Fig 26.
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Passage or portal tombs are often thought to align with
particular solar events, and the focus of much archaeology in
regards to these structures is the technical aspect of orientation
and location. Robert Hensey addresses an alternate theory in
regards to tomb alignments. In his 2008 article The Observance of
Light: A Ritualistic Perspective on Imperfectly Aligned Passage
Tombs, he d iscusses the experience of watching light fill a tomb.
He provides a compelling argument that the alignment and location
of the tombs are influenced not only by the social and economic
factors of the individuals or families, but also by the emotional
response evoked by the interaction of light and stone.
FUN
FACT
S SOLAR POWER?
A veritable plethora of symbolism exists in relative secret,
gracing the walls of tombs in the United Kingdom. Muiris O'Sullivan
and Liam Downey explore dolmens, or 'portal tombs' as they are
called, and discuss an awesome variety of pecked, ground and
incised engravings, known as petroglyphs. The images can be simple,
composed of geometric shapes such as lozenges, chevrons, triangles,
squares, arcs or spirals, or the images can be complex, pulling
many elements together to create an eye-catching display on either
an orthostat or a kerbstone. Archaeologists are still working to
understand the meaning behind much of the artwork. Though some
patterns are beginning to emerge, there are many, many more left to
unravel.
THE ART INSIDEDolmens are extraordinary feats of construction.
The most difficult task involved in constructing dolmens is the
quarrying and transport of the capstone. The building of dolmens
required the mobilization of s ignificant amounts of manpower and
ski l l specialization to place the capstone on top of the
supporting stones. It is believed that in Korea, a particular
method of placing the capstones was developed. First, holes are dug
to secure the supporting stones (1). The supporting stones are then
covered with a mound of earth to provide a solid surface for
positioning the capstone (2). Next, logs are placed on the mound
and used to role the capstone into position (3). Finally, the mound
of earth is removed and the dolmen stands alone (4).
STEP by STEP
Fig 27.
Fig 28.
Fig 29.
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In the case of Jordanian dolmens, Andrea and Vito Francesco
Polcaro have made certain interpretations that may link the
funerary customs of these monuments with the astronomical culture
and spiritual beliefs of the region. If the funerary monument is
astronomically oriented, it is often interpreted that it will face
in the direction that would facilitate the deceased individuals
soul as they exit the tomb. In this way, it will guide the soul in
the correct direction to take their place in the sky. There have
been other interpretations based on religious or mythological
beliefs of the area. A sort platform, or themenos, located outside
of the tomb is usually indicative of a ritual practice that may
have taken place outside of the dolmen. An alternative explanation
could be that they were constructed in the opposite direction from
the one in which the individual performed the rite. This could have
been done to avoid acting disrespectful in the area in front of the
dolmen. Stars over the
JORDANIAN VALLEY
Most of the dolmens are located in areas of moutain slopes and
flat lands. It is believed that wedges and spikes were driven into
the seams and cracks of the stone blocks (Lee, 2007). Using stone
tools, Lee presumed that the slabs were broken off to the bigger
blocks and cliff faces. In Suncheon region in Korea, provides
evidences of the use of wedge implements during the quarrying
process.
AMAZING TOOL USERS
Table Style
Checkerboard Type
Capstone Type
Fig 30.
Fig 31. Fig 32.Fig 33.
Fig 34.
Fig 35.
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Front Cover:http://picturesque.ie/?page_id=18
Table of
Contents:http://www.360x180.fr/index.php?lang=en&page=spheriques_france_56
Fig
1.http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/179/9/3/poulnabrone_dolmen_by_pinkmonra-d3k8v3z.jpg
Fig
2.http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zKBbtj9rWrU/TTY3bfVzupI/AAAAAAAAGR4/Xqc9LKwQxPs/s1600/daily+kor+SNU+mathematician+says+dolmen+clear+sign+ancient+Koreans+invented+pi+02.jpg
Fig
3.http://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/forum/topics/caucasus-dolmens-russia?xg_source=activity
Fig
4.http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dolmen_in_Johfiyeh_Irbid_north_of_Jordan_Dec2009.jpg
Fig 5. http://www.arasgcc.com/attractions/irish-heritage
Engineering of the
Past:http://fineartamerica.com/featured/legananny-dolmen-portal-tomb-ancient-historic-monument-county-down-irish-ireland-joe-fox.html
Fig
6.http://www.voicesfromthedawn.com/wp-content/sites/pages/proleekSun.jpg
Fig
7.http://www.spaceoflovemagazine.com/images/dolmen_silence_2.jpg
Fig 8.
http://www.spaceoflovemagazine.com/images/dolmen_silence.jpg
Fig
9.http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/f6c/6c3/f6c6c367-a3cc-4da6-abbd-bbeff96213d3
Fig 10.http://dolmen.russian-women.net/
Fig
11.http://www.thelivingmoon.com/43ancients/02files/The_Case_for_Hobbits_Caucasian_Dolmens.html
Picture Citations
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21
Fig
12.http://russia-photo.com/desktop-wallpapers-photos-en/Gelendzhik-image-wallpaper-1680-1050-Russia-A-Dolmen-Russian-Ni769684.shtml
Fig
13.https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LQ47ICWbYoY/UETy3Jig3uI/AAAAAAABXNI/D2SSPVw_pbw/Poulnabrone%2BDolman%252C%2BCo%2BClare.jpg
Fig 14.O'Sullivan, M.; Downey, L.(2012). Passage Tombs and
Megalithic Art. Archaeology Ireland. 26(1), 36-40
Fig
15.http://www.megalithomania.com//make_mini_dist_map?type=2
Fig 16.O'Sullivan, M.; Downey, L.(2012). Passage Tombs and
Megalithic Art. Archaeology Ireland. 26(1), 36-40
Fig 17, 19, 20, 21
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=10774
Fig 18.
http://fatherdaughtertalk.blogspot.ca/2010_12_01_archive.html
Fig 22.
Lee, Y. M. (2007). Overview of Koreas Dolmen Culture. Koreana,
21 (1), 14-21.
Fig 23.
http://rachelkso.blogspot.ca/2008/11/incheon-ganghwa-island.html
Fig 24.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/977/gallery/
Fig 25.
http://www.nrich.go.kr/english_new/loresch_Ins/gy_Drcherita.jsp
Fig 26.
Walsh, P. (1999). Megalithic Cultures of the World: A View from
South Korea. Archaeology Ireland, 13 (2), 20-23.
Fig 27.
http://poloconghaile.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Newgrange-Winter-Solstice-CREDIT-Office-of-Public-Works.jpg
Fig 28.
Lee, Y. M. (2007). Overview of Koreas Dolmen Culture. Koreana,
21 (1), 14-21.
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Fig 29.
http://www.carrowkeel.com/sites/loughcrew/jpegs/conwell.jpg
Fig 30.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/franks_astrophotography/3630537421/
Fig 31, 32.
Lee, Y. M. (2007). Overview of Koreas Dolmen Culture. Koreana,
21 (1), 14-21.
Fig 33, 34, 35.
http://terms.naver.com/entry.nhn?cid=3077&docId=1582259&mobile&categoryId=3077
Fun facts background:
http://66.147.244.131/~svenrend/?galleries=film-storyboards