University:
Tyler Junior College
Course:
ANTH 2301 | Anthropology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

138

Pages:

1
Author:

Dave D.

Cultural and Archaeological ANTH 2301 Archaeological Techniques The initial stage of field study in archaeology involves surveying a region that could include surface artefacts or cultural trash. Surveys may be as simple as strolling across a field, or they might include searching for prospective constructions that would be hard to detect from the ground using various technology, including drones or Google Earth. The discovery of cultural artefacts might serve as the impetus for an archaeological dig at the location. Based on the amount of cultural items discovered, the potential of a site can be ascertained by randomly selecting test pits or excavation units. Every item of cultural debris is frequently accompanied with GPS coordinates and comments about certain flora and animals that were discovered there; these details might serve as markers of possible natural riches. A comprehensive set of field notes includes documentation of features including roads, paths, and house pits. varied government organisations have varied guidelines for what qualifies as an archaeological site; nonetheless, in many places, the requirement is six cultural artefacts discovered in close proximity to one another. In order to prepare a site for excavation, archaeologists will rope off measured squares over the site's surface and use a grid system to divide the whole site into square pieces. Archaeologists can record and map every artefact and feature exactly as they are discovered in situ (in the original site) thanks to this grid method. A catalogue or accession number is given to each object and characteristic that is discovered, and these numbers are inscribed on labels and fastened to the artefacts. In the event that artefacts are taken down from the site, these labels become even more crucial. Digging is a laborious task. To clean dirt from delicate bone and other artefacts, archaeologists use trowels and even toothbrushes. It is possible to gather soil samples in order to study pollen. Ecofacts are naturally occurring objects, like seeds, shells, or animal bones. Other experts, like zooarchaeologists (who study animal remains) or archaeobotanists (who specialise in the analysis of floral (plant) remains with an interest in the historical relationships between people and plants over time), may examine ecofacts found at a site. Using the grid system as a guide, every cultural and natural object and feature has its precise location and coordinates recorded on a map, which is completely documented in the field notes. The basic context of an item is represented by these coordinates. The archaeologist will lose the archaeological context and any data related with an object that is transferred before it is documented. The fundamental basis of archaeological theory and practice is the archaelogical environment. A person must be aware of the context and relationship between artefacts, features, and ecofacts as they were discovered in their original location in order to comprehend their significance and even age. Items in a secondary context are those that have been taken out of their original context. Thorough and accurate recordkeeping is essential. This data is incorporated into the archaeological record and serves as a guide for further studies and analyses.

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