The tomb was discovered in September 2017 on Chapelle Dom Hue – an island off the coast of Guernse (UK). This island was once the residence of medieval monks.
Researchers found a series of medieval ceramics and prehistoric flints at Chapelle Dom Hue but were extremely surprised to discover a mysterious tomb.
“It contains the remains of a dolphin. The animal appears to have been slaughtered before being placed in a rectangular hole assembled from gneiss stones on the island,” said Philip de Jersey, a researcher from at Oxford University said.
Skeleton of a dolphin. (Photo: Guernsey Archeology)
De Jersey and his colleagues initially believed that the tomb was the burial site of a medieval monk.
The tomb, buried in a northeast/southwest direction, was found near the remains of a structure that archaeologists believe may have been a chapel.
According to Mr. de Jersey, pottery found at the grave site may date back to the 14th century.
“Dolphins were a popular dish in the Middle Ages and there are many references to them being killed and eaten around the 13th and 14th centuries. However, the question is why was there a need to dig a grave for them? an animal after eating its meat,” he said.
This researcher wondered if the dolphin’s body was not thrown directly into the ocean, which was only a few feet away.
“It is very possible that this hole was a failed experiment in preserving meat, packed with salt. Further analysis of soil samples may clarify this ,” Mr. de Jersey said.
The pH of the soil that seeped into the dolphin’s remains made it impossible for researchers to determine its age.
“ We will try to analyze a part of the skull that is a little better preserved ,” said Mr. de Jersey.
