In archaeology, a banjo enclosure is the name of a type of archaeological feature of the British Middle Iron Age. It is so named because in plan it consists of a small round area with a long entrance track leading inward from one direction. This layout gives it the appearance of a frying pan or banjo. The enclosure is defined by a low bank and ditch. The earthworks at the end of the track are sometimes turned outward, creating a funnel effect. The enclosure used to be thought of as a small farming settlement occupied around 400 BC to AD 43; however, because of the lack of finds relating to settlement it is currently thought to be a seasonal ritual centre where feasting occurred.
Sources
Winton, H. (2003). "Possible Iron Age 'banjo' enclosures on the Lambourn Downs". Oxoniensia. LXVIII.
McOmish, Dave (July 2018) [May 2011]. Banjo Enclosures (Report). Introductions to Heritage Assets (v 1.1 ed.). Swindon, UK: English Heritage. HEAG 198.
Hingley, R. (June 1987). Banjo Enclosure. Monuments Protection Programme (Report). Monument Class Description. English Heritage. Archived from the original on 10 April 2012. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
Fasham, P. (1987). A banjo enclosure in Micheldever Wood, Hampshire (Report). Hampshire Field Club Monograph. Vol. 5. Winchester, UK: Hampshire Field Club.
