E19 Iron coffin nail

Date13th - 16th century

Object NameNail

MediumIron

ClassificationsArchaeology Excavated

DimensionsLength: 4.9cm. Head: 1.5cm x 1cm

LocationView by Appointment

Object numberABDMS072600

About MeThis coffin nail was recovered from an archaeological excavation at the site of the Carmelite friary in Aberdeen. Over 200 burials were excavated: many individuals were interred in coffins. Very little wood survived and nails were the only evidence of coffins.

Iron nails like this were found in burial soils at the friary site. The only 'wood' which survived can be seen in this image - wood impressions left in the corrosion products of the iron.

A number of burials were surrounded by a rectangular pattern of nails indicating the size and shape of the coffin. In other burials the outline of the coffin could be seen by excavating the looser soils inside the coffin. A small number of brown wood stains were also seen in the soil. Site E19. Layer 4