One of the oldest wooden tools discovered in the United Kingdom was found during excavations on the Isle of Purbeck by researchers from the Wessex Archaeological Service. Its approximate age is about 3500 years.
This is a well-preserved wooden shovel, carved from a single piece of oak. Archaeologists explained the level of preservation of the tool by high soil moisture, which prevented the decomposition of organic material.
Environmental Analysis Manager Ed Thrasher noted that the age of the shovel was confirmed by radiocarbon dating. It is approximately 3500-3400 years old, which refers to the Middle Bronze Age.
Excavations were carried out as part of the Arne Swamp project, the purpose of which is to restore wetland biotopes.
The study of the territory by archaeologists included geophysical studies and excavations. This allowed for a clearer understanding of how human activity affected the environment.
Before that, it was believed that one of the oldest wooden tools discovered on the territory of the United Kingdom was the Brinlow shovel, unearthed in 1875 at a mine in Cheshire.
Source:
heritagedaily.com
wessexarch.co.uk
