artifact excavation

What is Artifact Excavation?

Artifact excavation is a detailed and systematic process used in archaeology to retrieve buried artifacts from the ground. These artifacts can include tools, pottery, bones, and other objects that provide valuable insights into past human activities. The aim is to unearth these items in their original context, which allows archaeologists to study them effectively.

• Each excavation site is carefully selected and surveyed before digging begins.
• The process usually involves removing layers of sediment, marking the location of finds, and documenting the stratigraphy (the layers of earth).
• Special tools like trowels, brushes, and even dental picks are used to ensure delicate handling of artifacts.

Excavation Methods in Archaeology

Archaeological excavations employ several methods to unearth artifacts and gain insights into historical civilizations. Each method is tailored to the specific requirements of the site and the nature of the artifacts expected to be found.

Grid Excavation Method

The grid excavation method is one of the most organized techniques used by archaeologists. It involves dividing the excavation site into a grid of squares, each of which is excavated systematically.

• Each square is documented with detailed notes on soil layers and artifact positions.
• This method is particularly useful for large sites with complex layers.

Wheeler Box Grid Method

The Wheeler Box Grid Method, named after Sir Mortimer Wheeler, adds an additional dimension to standard grid excavation. This method leaves vertical sections or balks intact for further study of the stratigraphic record.

• Balks provide a cross-section image of the layers and help in comprehending the chronology of the site.
• This method is ideal when a detailed study of the stratigraphy is required, such as in ancient urban sites.

Stratigraphic Excavation

The stratigraphic excavation method involves removing soil layers one by one. Each layer, or stratum, is recorded discretely, which helps maintain context for dating artifacts accurately.

• This method is crucial when understanding the chronological development of a site.
• It allows cross-comparison between different locations at the same site, establishing a broader historical narrative.

Techniques of Artifact Excavation

Excavating artifacts involves a variety of techniques, each suited to different types of archaeological sites and finds. These techniques ensure that artifacts are retrieved without causing damage, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of past civilizations.

Grid System Excavation

The grid system excavation involves marking out a site into a grid of squares using ropes or strings. This allows archaeologists to excavate with precision and maintain clear records of where each artifact is found.

• This method is especially useful in large sites where detailed spatial information is needed.
• Documentation includes maps, photographs, and detailed sketches of each grid square.

Stratigraphic Excavation

The stratigraphic excavation method involves digging down through the site's layers or stratum. Each layer is investigated as an individual unit, and artifacts found here are analyzed within their specific context.

• This technique provides reliable dating evidence, helping archaeologists understand the site's sequence of occupation.
• The introduction and removal of each layer are documented rigorously to maintain historical context.

Open-Area Excavation

Open-area excavation is a technique commonly used when a very large part of a site is to be uncovered at once. It focuses more on horizontal space rather than vertical layers, which is particularly advantageous for sites where structures need to be explored in their entirety.

• This method allows for extensive exposure of living floors and interacted structures such as walls and hearths.
• It is ideal for sites where established layers aren't crucial to reconstructing past human behavior.

Significance of Artifacts in Archaeology

Artifacts are essential for archaeologists as they provide concrete evidence of past human activities. They allow you to piece together historical narratives and understand the culture, technology, and lifestyle of ancient civilizations. Analyzing artifacts can answer crucial questions about history and human evolution.

Choosing an Artifact Excavation Site

Selecting the right site for artifact excavation is a critical step in archaeology. It involves a combination of desk-based study and field assessments.

• Desktop Research: Study maps, historical documents, and aerial photographs to shortlist potential sites.
• Field Survey: Physically explore the area to identify signs of past human activity, such as visible structures or artifacts on the surface.
• Geophysical Survey: Use technologies like ground-penetrating radar to detect subsurface anomalies indicative of human presence.

Tools and Equipment for Excavating Artifacts

To excavate artifacts effectively, you will need a range of specialized tools and equipment.

Steps in Artifact Excavation Process

The artifact excavation process is methodical, involving several clear steps to ensure accuracy and preservation.

• Site Survey: Initial inspection to map out the area.
• Stratigraphic Excavation: Removing layers systematically to expose artifacts.
• Documentation: Detailed recording of context and location, often with photographs and sketches.
• Preservation: Artifacts are carefully cleaned, catalogued, and stored.
• Analysis: Studying the artifacts to understand their significance and historical context.

Case Studies: Successful Artifact Excavations

Examining successful excavations offers insights into best practices and lessons learned in archaeology.

• Pompeii: This site provides unparalleled preservation of ancient Roman life due to the volcanic ash that covered it in AD 79. Excavations here have uncovered homes, frescoes, and tools.
• King Tutankhamun's Tomb: Discovered in 1922, this excavation yielded a treasure trove of artifacts, offering insight into ancient Egyptian burial practices.