We had just set up and started digging for our second day when I heard the news pass through site, rippling downwards towards me. “They found a ring! A gold ring!”. They in this case are the Bears, who in clearing up the upper context of the bulldozed and destroyed structure scooped up a ring, which perhaps like the One Ring had been temporarily trapped awaiting its chance to walk freely in the world again! Glinting in the screen, there it suddenly was!
This appears to be a man’s signet ring of some kind, set with a red stone. The inner band of the ring has a 10K gold hallmark, and a sentimental inscription in cursive.
10K gold is a mixture of 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% other metals. Since pure gold is so soft, this particular mixture of strengthening metals makes for a highly durable ring that is suitable for daily wear. It does also mean this ring was less expensive to purchase than a pure gold ring. The stone is likely a garnet (originally granat), a mineral composed of mainly silica. The name of this gemstone originates from a 14th-century Middle English/Old French word gernet (dark red) and the Latin granatus or granatium (meaning a grain or seed). This is also related to the name for pomegranate (pomum granatum) referring to the red jewel-like seeds of the fruit.
Historically, garnets were considered to have protective properties and were carried by travellers as talismans to help guide them. They also were worn by warriors to boost confidence and strength. In more modern times, garnet is the birthstone for January and is traditionally associated with the heart, strong emotions, and life force, representing deep passion, commitment and loyalty. The band is a signet style, which often denotes power, authority and heritage, stemming from when rings like this were used to approve documents or apply as a seal to a decision. Certainly it combines potent symbolism, and part of what we do as archaeologists is unpack the meaning or semiotics behind these symbols. We’ll take a closer look when we have a lab day and see if we can glean anything more.
As for its life before it passed into our hands, we can only speculate…
Our students made excellent progress today. We’ve busted out the shovels, the mattocks and the trowels and the screens are singing as they sift the dirt. The site is alive with laughter and conversation.
Some excavation plans have not survived first engagement with reality and have required some pondering and decisions to change strategy. We have exposed some new features that instead of answering questions, have compounded the confusion. It’s a glorious mess at the moment and we are having a lot of fun.
See you tomorrow!
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