Croiceann cruaidh féarmhar an talaimh: a material culture of the skin of the earth – the example of roofing with sod parings in Ireland

ABSTRACT An examination of the material culture of building with earth in Ireland suggests an old and widespread cultural practice that continued well into the twentieth century. Ethnography indicates a highly developed understanding of natural materials and ecologies, considerable practical knowledge, significant technical skill in the rich variety of the types of earth used, a wealth of construction techniques, and a precise, extensive terminology in two languages. Despite its past importance and viability in building, earth is predominantly a devalued and forgotten construction material in Ireland today. Identity is aligned with building in stone, the whitewashed single-storey thatch-roof dwelling house providing the most striking example. This paper explores the use of earth in roof making, and aims to rehabilitate awareness in relation to earth-building practices in Ireland. These include roofing with earth-sod parings, turf and sod walling, the employment of tempered clay in walling, and the use of earth in flooring.