Fig. 80, drawn half-size, exhibits a bold but rude chevron pattern.
[Illustration: Fig. 80.--Portion of Fictile Vessel found at Ballydoolough Crannog.]
There were thirty-five distinct patterns on the various fragments unearthed, yet the locality was not thoroughly explored. Specimens of the pottery from Ballydoolough were forwarded to Mr. Albert Wray, a well-known authority on such subjects, and he would not refer them to a very early age, or to that in which the use of bronze was prevalent. The mode of ornamentation appeared to present a slight resemblance to the “Cuerdale Hoard,” which is sometimes ascribed to the ninth century. W. F. Wakeman, however, is of opinion that amongst the numerous designs found upon the crannog vessels there is none suggestive of the work of Christian times in Ireland, unless the cross-marked fragments be considered as such, chevrons and circular depressions being all expressive of Pagan ideas of ornamental art.
[Illustration: Fig. 81.--Portion of Fictile Vessel, with Ear, Drumgay Crannog. One-half size.]
[Illustration: Fig. 82.--Rim Ornaments of Fictile Vessels, Drumgay Crannog. One-half size.]
On “Bone Island,” in the lake of Drumgay, were several fragments of earthen vessels. The one represented in the annexed cut, drawn half size, is a portion of what had been a large and well-formed vessel with ears. The top of the rim is ornamented with a pattern. The diameter of the vessel at the mouth is about eleven inches; the neck is short, and the sides are decorated with indented lines about an inch in length, placed diagonally. There were also several fragments of fictile ware consisting of unimportant portions of rims decorated as shown in the accompanying representations. One pattern is a simple chevron. The accompanying illustrations represent characteristic examples of the pottery found in abundance on No. 3 crannog in Lough Eyes, county Fermanagh (plate XVIII., figs. 83 to 88).
Fig. 83.--Fragment of Fictile Vessel from Lough Eyes.
Fig. 84.--Fragment of Fictile Vessel from Lough Eyes. One-half size.
Fig. 85.--Fragment of Fictile Vessel from Lough Eyes. One-half size.
Fig. 86.--Ear of Vessel from Lough Eyes. One-half size.
Fig. 87.--Fragment of Vessel from Lough Eyes. One-third size.