At The Laboratory
Identifying a site, entering it into the State records, recording it, and excavating it is only half the work. All of the information then goes back to a laboratory and is analyzed. In the lab everything is carefully measured, weighed, drawn, and compared to other artifacts. Even microscopes are used to see fine details.
The archaeologist then shares the information so other archaeologists can know about it. Sometimes other archaeologists have new information that changes what people thought before. They bring new ideas and discussion to the ongoing mystery of the past. All this information is saved for future generations of archaeologists.
Many museums have artifacts. Archaeologists use the museum collections like a library. Museum collections give people a chance to see artifacts from ancient cultures. Idaho museums have wonderful archaeological collections and exhibits to visit.
Remember that an artifact is only a small part of the picture of the past. Where an artifact is found and what else is found with it are all clues to the past. That is why taking artifacts without recording information about a site will keep us from seeing the whole picture.
Next page: How Old Is It?
