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.
- Arranging for the Field WorkOffice Director readies for the field
- Maps and Other Background InformationAccessing background information, this project archaeologist prepares to go into the field
- Ready for the FieldThis pile of excavation equipment is waiting for the next field trip.
- A Mapping DeviceA Total Station transit is a tool that allows archaeologists to make an accurate map.
- Marshalltown TrowelsTwo brand new, neatly sharpened Marshalltown trowels
- Plains TrowelThis trowel is called a plains or corner trowel, and some archaeologists swear by it.
- A Variety of ShovelsShovels--both round and flat-ended--are as necessary to much field work as a trowel.
- Deep Testing SoilsA bucket auger is used for testing deeply buried deposits
- The Trusty Coal ScoopA coal scoop comes in very handy for moving heaps of dirt from tiny excavation units.
- The Trusty Dust PanA dust pan, like the coal scoop, can come in very handy for removing excavated soil.
- Soil Sifter or Shaker ScreenA hand-held one-person shaker screen or soil sifter.
- Soil Sifting in ActionAn archaeologist demonstrates the shaker screen (pay no attention to the inappropriate footwear).
- Graphic Index
- Text Index
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