Mark,

> Be interesting to see. More so since we have lots and lots of ear
> spools from Jomon sites in Japan. Their interpretation was much easier
> since the Jomon left very elaborate clay figurines, some of which have
> ear spools.

My immediate thought is this: If we know of them in places like America, Africa
and
East Asia, and now Ireland... just how widespread are they? Has this
identification
perhaps been stalled so long through the insularity of the Irish archaeological
community? (consider that a goad, guys... response?) Do we have examples from BA
Europe other than Ireland?

Basically, if there are parallel examples from elsewhere in Europe, particularly
north west Europe, ideally of similar date, the case in support of these objects
being ear spools in Ireland is greatly improved, from what seems to be a strong
case
to near certainty.

Be interesting to know...

MAQQI