Fan Round Barrow, Talsarn 2009-10 
This round barrow was flattened in the 1990s. A geophysical survey in 2009 demonstrated, however, that substantial below-ground remains are likely to survive. A pigmy cup and a bronze spearhead were found in the barrow in the 19th century.
Trial excavation in October 2010 revealed that nothing of the round barrow mound survived. However, two small, very shallow graves were discovered. One of these was stone-lined and contained cremated bone and a Pygmy Cup. Globules of bronze mixed in with the bone indicate a spearhead or a sword had been placed on the funerary pyre with the body. A large urn containing cremated bone had been placed in the second grave alongside a Pygmy Cup. The urn was removed intact so that its content can be carefully excavated in the laboratory at Cardiff University. Initial results indicate that there is yet another Pygmy Cup in the large urn with the cremated bone. Because of the importance of the site and the surprisingly well-preserved artefacts it is hoped that more excavation can by carried out during 2011.
We would like to thank Mr and Mrs Wright for allowing the excavation on their land. Cadw grant-aided this excavation.
Geophysical survey of Fan round barrow
One of the Bronze Age Pygmy Cups from the excavation
The Fan Pygmy Cups after cleaning in the laboratory
Photo: Phil Parkes, Cardiff University
Fan Geophysical Survey Final Report (in PDF format, opens in a new window)
Fan Barrow evaluation excavation interim report 2010 (in PDF format, opens in a new window)
Project Contact: Phil
Poucher