An archaeologist uses many different tools during the course of an investigation, before, during and after the excavations. The photographs in this essay define and describe many of the everyday tools archaeologists use in the process of conducting archaeology.
This photo essay uses as its framework the typical course of an archaeological excavation conducted as part of a cultural resource management project in the midwestern United States. The photographs were taken in May 2006 at the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist, with the kind assistance of staff there.
This photo essay uses as its framework the typical course of an archaeological excavation conducted as part of a cultural resource management project in the midwestern United States. The photographs were taken in May 2006 at the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist, with the kind assistance of staff there.
- FlotationAn electronic water screening device is a godsend to researchers processing many soil samples.
- Flotation DeviceSoil samples are exposed to gentle streams of water in this water screening device
- Processing the Artifacts: DryingA drying rack allows newly washed or brushed artifacts to dry safely.
- Analytical EquipmentCalipers and cotton gloves are used during the analysis of artifacts.
- Weighing and MeasuringMetric Scale
- Cataloging Artifacts for StorageThis kit includes everything you need to write catalog numbers on artifacts.
- Mass Processing of ArtifactsGraduated screens sift soil or artifact samples to retrieve ever-smaller sized artifacts.
- Long Term Storage of ArtifactsA repository is a place where the official collections of state-sponsored excavations are kept.
- Computer DatabaseesVery few archaeologists can live without a computer these days.
- Principal InvestigatorThe principal investigator is responsible for completing the report of excavations.
- Archiving ReportsSeventy percent of all archaeology is done in the library (Indiana Jones)
- Graphic Index
- Text Index
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