Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn
Holm of Papa South Cairn
Neolithic (c.3200–2800 BCE)·Orcadian Neolithic·🇬🇧 Orkney, Papa Westray, Holm islet, United Kingdom
About
About Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn
Tidal islet cairn linked to earlier Holm of Papa Westray North Cairn (c.3700 BCE), excavated 1982–83, yielding human bone, pottery and lithics now dated to 3200 BCE. Recorded context — Period: Neolithic (c.3200–2800 BCE); Culture: Orcadian Neolithic; Field status: excavated; Materials: flagstone, beach cobble; Condition: ruins — tidal access only.
Why it mattersKey Orcadian Neolithic megalithic with stratified sequence and regional typology.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function of enclosure
- 02Construction labor organization
Theories
- 01Seasonal gathering
- 02Observatory
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3200 BCE
- Period
- Neolithic (c.3200–2800 BCE)
- Culture
- Orcadian Neolithic
- Purpose
- Orkney-Cromarty bookan-type cairn with long horned forecourt — rare Holmium evidence
- Rediscovered
- Modern excavation 1885
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1200 CE major extension
Major expansion / refurbishment at Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn
c. 3200 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation at Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn
1920 excavation
Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn
On the ground
Structures & features
59.3520° N · 2.8730° W · 4 m · 3 mapped features
- Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn — Principal Standing Stonestanding stonestanding stone at Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn — hydraulic feature59.3515° N · 2.8717° W
- Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn — Chamber Annex 2chamberchamber at Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn — subsidiary complex59.3515° N · 2.8713° W
- Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn — Southern Cairncairncairn at Holm of Papa Westray South Chambered Cairn — hydraulic feature59.3527° N · 2.8728° W
Gallery