Further research suggests ancient human remains found in Bellaghy likely to be female

Further research into the ancient human remains discovered at Bellaghy in October 2023 has revealed that what was potentially thought to be a male aged between 13 and 17 years old, is in fact most likely a female aged between 17 and 22 years old.

Following the initial reporting by the Archaeological Unit within the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Body Recovery Team in January 2024, further research has provided new insights into this remarkable discovery. Led by National Museums NI - the organisation responsible for curating and conserving archaeological finds in the national collection - this year-long study has involved collaboration with a number of archaeological and forensic partners across Europe, including the PSNI, National Museums of Ireland, Queen’s University Belfast, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, the University of Copenhagen, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Bradford.

Dating to approximately 343 to 1 BCE, the remains are over 2000 years old and date to the prehistoric period known as the Iron Age. Osteoarchaeological analysis has now revealed the body to be female, a discovery made all the more significant as the majority of bog preserved individuals that have been found from this period are male.

The individual had an estimated stature of around 5 foot 6 inches. While the body was well preserved, the skull was absent and was not recovered. Cut marks on the neck vertebrae indicate the cause of death as an intentional decapitation in the bog. This may be part of a pattern of ritual and sacrifice during the Iron Age period. Part of a woven item made of plant material was also recovered from below the knees and is thought to be part of an associated artefact. The museum is currently working with specialists to identify what this artefact could potentially be and are describing it as a woven plant-based fabric, likely associated with the individual and dating to this period.

As per the naming convention applied to similar discoveries – the townland where remains are found paired with the sex of the individual – the remains will now be referred to as the “Ballymacombs More Woman”.

Niamh Baker, Curator of Archaeology at National Museums NI, explained the depth of the research process that has been carried out thus far, to identify and further understand the remains. She said, 

“Ballymacombs More Woman is certainly one of the most important archaeological discoveries on the island of Ireland. This important discovery gives us a glimpse into the lives of the people of our ancient past and offers insights into how they lived, interacted with their environment, and developed their cultures. As the organisation with statutory responsibility for acquiring, curating and conserving nationally significant archaeological finds in Northern Ireland, we immediately understood how a thorough research process would be required to ensure that this discovery was managed professionally and ethically to unlock her valuable story."

Eileen Murphy is Professor of Archaeology at the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen's University Belfast. She carried out the osteological assessment which provided a biological profile for the individual and ascertained the cause of their death. She explained,

“It was a privilege to undertake the osteological analysis of these important, but also very poignant, archaeological human remains. As is the case for so many Iron Age bog bodies, the young woman suffered a highly violent death which involved the flow of blood from her throat followed by decapitation. The head was taken away but the body was left where it fell only to be discovered by machine workers some 2000 years later. Further scientific analysis, including the conclusion of an aDNA analysis, will no doubt yield more fascinating findings.” 

The remains and artefact have now been transferred from the State Pathology Laboratory to National Museums NI where they are currently being closely monitored by the conservation team before a final phase of preservation treatment.

On Saturday, 22nd February, National Museums NI and Queen’s University Belfast will take part in a symposium at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace. ‘Digging into the Bog: Archaeological Finds & the Work of Seamus Heaney’ marks the 50th anniversary of Heaney’s North collection and will feature experts discussing the Ballymacombs More Woman, the significance of bog bodies across Europe, and Heaney’s fascination with ancient remains.

Hannah Crowdy, Head of Curatorial at National Museums NI, concluded by highlighting the role of museums. She said, 

“The successful delivery of this cross-disciplinary research is a significant feat for Northern Ireland. It is a brilliant illustration of how relevant our museums are, and the important role we play in connecting our unique heritage, spanning thousands of years, to the present day. We are exceptionally grateful to our partners for their collaboration on this project; we have all learnt from their considerable expertise, which will ensure we have rigorous, scientific records associated with this discovery.

“Our Collections are for the public to enjoy and be inspired by, but as the Ballymacombs More Woman demonstrates, they are also a crucial resource for research and learning in a wide array of specialist fields. The stories and intrinsic knowledge associated with people from the past may be strange and disturbing to us today but also enlightening, helping us to better understand and reflect upon societal changes over time. Our views of the world, and the forces that impact upon us, have changed profoundly over the course of history.  As we consider this important archaeological discovery, we should remind ourselves that Ballymacombs More Woman was once a person, just like us.”