Excavation and Documentation
Archaeologists don't always excavate a site or feature because they know it can destroy the site. But if they have an important question about the past that the site can reveal, or if the site will be destroyed by another means, they will often excavate the site.
An archaeologist then lays out a map or grid of the site. Archaeologists will use stakes and tie strings together to make the grid. From above, the grid will look like a large sheet of graph paper. The grid has small squares in one large square. Grids help archaeologists record measurements and details of the exact location where they find artifacts.
They scrape and brush the soil carefully from the site. Using shovels, buckets, mason’s trowels and brushes, archaeologists try very hard not to damage any artifacts or features. They sift the soil through screens to catch small items. Sometimes a water hose is used to rinse soils through a screen. Sometimes they use wooden picks, spoons, dental tools, toothbrushes, fine paint brushes, and other useful tools.
Record keeping is a very important part of an excavation. Where an artifact is found and what is found with it, the context, is very important to discover its story. Archaeologists use tape measures, record forms, and graph paper to record and map all artifacts and features. Archaeologists draw pictures or take photographs of everything they find. Cameras and computers make record keeping easier and more accurate. All this information helps archaeologists put together a picture of the site.
Activities - Context | It's in the Garbage
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