Introduction to Archaeology: Process, Guidelines, and Values

Flashcards covering the stages of archaeological processes, material evaluation methods, data recovery, regulatory guidelines, and archaeological values.

What are the three main stages of archaeology as a process?

1) Identification

2) Evaluation

3) Data Recovery

What is the primary purpose of the identification stage in archaeology?

to establish the presence (or lack of) archaeological remains in an area

What is the objective of the evaluation stage in archaeology?

to determine the historical and cultural significance of the identified remains and interpret the data found

Which analyses of materials and studies are conducted during the evaluation stage?

surface collections

test pits

trial trenches

environmental sampling

specialist studies

examinations of patterns of data

What is the overall goal of the data recovery stage?

to recover maximum information within the framework of investigation

What key actions and outcomes characterise the data recovery process?

targeted interventions to clarify research questions

excavation of part or most of a site at a risk

production of reports and publications

What purpose do regulations and guidelines serve in archaeological processes?

govern archaeological processes by setting minimum acceptable standards for most or all aspects of the process

What are organisations concerned with in relation to archaeological values?

values connected with past, present and future archaeological practices