'In search of a cultural identity: a study of the Manx Bronze Age in its Irish Sea context'

Date(s): September 2001

Creator(s): Woodcock, Jenny

Scope & Content: Illustrated PhD thesis with appendices and bibliography, submitted to the University of Liverpool by Jenny Woodcock. In her conclusion the author notes that 'There is ... no archaeological evidence to suggest that, during the Bronze Age, the Isle of Man ever played the role of a catalyst nor were the Island people ever culturally prominent, either in the context of the north-west of the British Isles , let alone at a wider European level.' Rather, '... the Isle of Man from the conclusion of its period of possible semi-isolation at the end of the Late Neolithic continuing throughout the Bronze Age, presents a picture of simple, contented, self-sufficiency, a defined yet independent nation'. In her closing reflections, she argues the need for a reliable, absolute chronology for the Manx Bronze Age, a need that could be met through a 'carefully constructed programme involving the radiocarbon dating of cremated bone closely associated with a range of pottery vessels and / or monuments.' Volume 1:the chapters include: 1. introduction, background to the research project, methology, distribution maps, radiocarbon dates; 2. the Bronze Age of Europe and the British Isles: economy and society; 3.Introduction to the Isle of Man; 4. a background to archaeological research on the Isle of Man; 5. an introduction to the Manx Bronze Age and the research methology; 6. the Manx Bronze Age discussion; 7.archeological evidence from areas of comparative evidence; 8. the Manx Bronze Age national and international contacts. Volume 2: the appendices : 1.gazetteer of sites, monuments and cultural material of the Manx Bronze Age; 2. catalogue of Bronze Age pottery from the Isle of Man; 3. catalogue of 'cists' of probable Bronze Age date from the Isle of Man; 4. catalogue of Bronze Age metalworking evidence from the Isle of Man; 5. Bronze Age radiocarbon dates from the Isle of Man.

Language: English

Extent: 2 volumes

Item name: thesis

Collection: Manuscript Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: MS 10554

Record class: Private

Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im

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