The Cantiaci: ‘Iron Age Anoraks’
The house in Gillingham looks similar to others nearby - bright with flower baskets and modern. But step inside and time peels away to reveal the trappings of life some 2000 years ago; there are carded fleeces in the broom cupboard, wooden spear poles on the stairwell, metalworking debris in the garden and natural dyes brewing in the kitchen. This house is overflowing with materials and objects used in recreating the lives of the Cantii, an Iron Age tribe of Kent.
On their own admission, the occupants, Chris and Joe Toomey, regard their passion for the Iron Age as that of 'anorak' status. The Toomeys, together with associate Carol Wigley, form the management team of the Cantiiaci - an appropriate 'Celtic trio'. Groups such as theirs, dedicating themselves to living out past lives, can be an easy target for intellectual disparagement; but you have only to listen to Cantiiaci's members talking about La Tène metalwork styles or the survival of Hallstatt salt mine fabrics to appreciate the veracity and depth of their knowledge.
The Cantiiaci project has one abiding ethos, that all recreation should be purely on the basis of known archaeological evidence. But authenticity does not extend to fanaticism: "reality kicked in when suggestions were made that I wrap my toddlers, as they were then, in fleece, or leave them bare-bottomed - nappies were a must". In public the group eat only food prepared and cooked in accordance with their ethos of authenticity, although precautions are taken, such as the sterilization of all pottery with a steam gun beforehand. Given that there are many children in the group, some of whom are not overtly keen on Iron Age fare, the odd packet of crisps is consumed behind a wattled screen!
The project's inception arose a decade ago when Joe and Chris were asked to help out at Riverside Country Park with school parties. A month before an advertised event, 'A Story to Tell', they were told that this was to be their story, and Cantiiaci was born. In September 1993, they became 'official', with a small grant from Gillingham Borough Council, despite Riverside's management giving them only 3 weeks to last.
After consideration of other groups also involved in 'being the past', they knew what they didn't want to do. "Re-enactment, often based on conflict of the time, was not for us - it was more of a challenge to research and see how people really lived their everyday lives - to be a living history project". It was decided to build an Iron Age Village at Riverside. Work began in earnest, but not without some 'sticky' moments - "on hot days I've nearly dried in the daub pit several times after climbing in to work it well with my feet!" laughs Chris.
The Cantiiaci numbered over 40 people by now - many of them family groups. Chris recalls past Cantiiaci children, whose involvement with the community experience has shaped their outlook today: "They learnt their parents' skills, just as in the Iron Age, became ecologically aware and truly were part of an extended 'tribal' family". Decisions have always been made communally, and all personal disputes have to stay firmly within the 21st century.
Each member of the project has a role to play: specialists in textiles, leather, wood, metalwork, basketry and ancient foodstuffs are constantly working ideas to uncover the story behind the manufacture and use of artefacts. If possible, Kentish finds are recreated; firedogs are based on those with an aurochs head in Maidstone Museum. If no local example exists, style and material are based on the nearest available, hence an exact copy of a chain from Danebury supports their cauldron.
The project went from strength to strength. Their professionalism led to TV work and credits include 'Boudicca' for Cromwell Films, 'Tales of the Living Dead' for Brighton Films (sold to Channel 4 and the Discovery Channel amongst others) and 'Meet the Ancestors'.
But disaster struck in August 2001. A tiny piece of smouldering grass, caught up in a thermal from a distant fire, landed on the roundhouse roof. Within 5 minutes everything flammable had disappeared - only metallic artefacts were saved. Grieving for this loss is still apparent in Chris's eyes when she speaks of the desperate battle to save the house and the sense of helplessness as they watched.
Although a great personal loss to the Cantiiaci, the destruction of the roundhouse did provide an opportunity to study what might remain in the archaeological record after a fire; a detailed record was made of burn patterns. The roundhouse has not, however, been rebuilt. Cantiiaci's firm belief that education should be free for all was challenged when the Council wanted to charge admission. The proposition also of an ice cream stand nearby ruled out archaeological activity: "We'd be Disney Cantiiaci . . . .".
Having no base now as such, their display is presently a mobile one, and it is hoped to raise enough funds to buy a suitably large vehicle with which to transport most of the group. They have recently invested in a new computer system with which to revamp their website, as public access is so important. Work is progressing on a package to offer within schools; Chris fantasises about a screen-printed instant roundhouse! However, without the tastes, smells, textures, sounds and atmosphere of their previous 'home', the Cantiiaci feel that children miss out on the total experience they previously offered.
The Cantiiaci can be seen on display at The Museum of Kent Life on National Archaeology Day on Sunday 20th July from 11am-4pm.