Renfrew and Bahn Survey and Excavation

Survey and Excavation of Sites and Features

Overview of Archaeological Surveys

  • Archaeologists have evolved beyond traditional excavation, now recognizing non-site evidence (artifact scatters, plowmarks, field boundaries) as significant for understanding past societies.

  • Landscape studies through regional surveys are integral to current archaeological methodologies.

  • Many valuable artifacts and samples remain stored in museums, waiting for analysis with modern techniques.

Importance of Excavation

  • Excavation is a destructive process, yielding definitive evidence about historical human activities but must be approached with caution as it cannot be repeated.

  • New methodologies for site assessment, like surface surveys or remote sensing, can provide ample information without excavation, making it increasingly relevant due to conservation concerns.

Key Concepts in Archaeological Research Design

  1. Research Strategy Formulation

    • Address specific questions or hypotheses.

  2. Evidence Collection and Recording

    • Organizing specialist teams for either surveys or excavations.

  3. Evidence Processing and Analysis

    • Interpretation based on collected data.

  4. Publication of Results

    • Dissemination through articles and reports.

Locating Archaeological Sites and Features

  • Ground Surveys vs. Aerial Surveys: Both methods are used interchangeably in field projects to maximize site identification.

  • Documentation Sources: Historical texts and local lore can lead to site discovery, as seen in the identification of Troy by Heinrich Schliemann and Viking settlement of L'Anse aux Meadows via sagas.

Cultural Resource Management (CRM)

  • This field connects archaeology with construction and development, promoting site identification before potential destruction by urbanization.

  • CRM laws in various regions help archaeologists locate and assess sites in danger from development activities.

Survey Techniques

  • Systematic vs. Unsystematic Surveys: The systematic approach employs grid patterns to ensure comprehensive coverage of areas while the unsystematic approach allows flexible and adaptive searching based on prior finds.

  • Emphasis is placed on off-site features, which can provide insights into human activities beyond formal sites.

Advanced Survey Methods

  1. Aerial Imaging: Utilizes drone technology, LIDAR, and remote sensing to gather information about sites from above, reducing excavation needs.

  2. GIS: Geographical Information Systems aid in mapping and analyzing spatial data in relation to archaeological features.

Excavation Techniques and Challenges

  • Excavation Methods: Focus on balancing horizontal (site layout) and vertical (time stratification) dimensions, with techniques like Wheeler box-grid and open-area excavation.

  • Jamestown Rediscovery Project: Example of a hybridized excavation combining traditional and modern techniques to recover artifacts while documenting the site's historical context.

Recovery and Recording Procedures

  • Artifacts must be systematically recorded, processed, and categorized to maintain context.

  • Importance of careful documentation to avoid loss during excavation, relying on a blend of digital and traditional recording methods.

Processing and Classification of Finds

  • Cleaning, sorting, and categorizing artifacts into types based on attributes (shape, decoration, material) is crucial in field laboratories.

  • Typology remains vital in understanding chronological and functional relationships among artifacts.

  • Conservation is vital for long-term preservation, requiring continuous management of materials collected.

Current Challenges and Future Directions

  • Increasing reliance on technological advancements, such as 3D modeling and GIS applications, emphasizes a shift toward data-driven archaeological practices.

  • Ethical considerations around the preservation of archaeology artifacts in contexts affected by urban development are increasingly prominent.