MODULE #7: ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION
2-3 hours
A. Overview: In this module students will learn that excavation is a primary way in which archaeologists acquire subsurface data about the past. They will also learn that modern archaeologists tend to carry out as little excavation as possible, however, because digging archaeological sites destroys a finite resource-the archaeological record. Discussion will occur of the manner in which excavations are conducted and now include multidisciplinary research teams who work together on a carefully formulated research design. Students will be taught about research designs, the difference between horizontal and vertical excavation, the idea of sampling rather than total excavation of sites, stratigraphic observation, and analysis and interpretation as critical components of any excavation.
B. Objectives:
1. Define excavation
2. Describe how to prepare a research design
3. Describe the different types of excavation methodologies.
4. Explore examples of archaeological excavations.
5. Describe how to record archaeological data.
C. Principles:
1. Basic archaeological skills: how to conduct an archaeological excavation.
2. Communication: how to prepare a report of an archaeological excavation
3. Real world problem solving: issues of whether or not to excavate a site; whether to preserve; how much to excavate
4. Diverse interests: consultation with interested parties, descendant communities
D. Instructional Procedures: This module is primarily lecture and student activity. Throughout the lecture, students are asked questions to ensure they are grasping the concepts introduced. It is important to tie in real world experiences to the content, so the questions ask the students to think of some of the concepts in the context of today’s world. Powerpoint is useful to help identify concepts but the lecture can be taught with traditional technology (whiteboard, etc.).
E. Assessment: Students will be assessed by two in-class activities and continued work on the online excavation.
F. Lecture Outline:
1. Discuss that excavation actually destroys an archaeological site; why choose excavation; preservation of data retrieved from an archaeological site; preservation in place of a site; ethical responsibilities
2. Describe consultation with interested parties and descendant communities prior to excavation
3. Describe how to plan an excavation: sample or entire site; methodology to be used
4. Discuss how to develop a research design
5. Identify the types of excavation procedures that exista. Sampling versus total excavation
b. Define context-location within which things are found or within which they operate
c. Vertical versus horizontal excavation6. Define stratigraphy and how to interpret
a. Law of superposition
b. Vertical and horizontal stratigraphy (St. Augustine, Fla.)7. Discuss why it is important to establish provenience on a site
8. Archaeological tools-how to dig (CRM use of backhoes, scraping; shovels, screens, trowel, dental tools-why and when do you use these?)
9. Discuss how to record archaeological data-maps and records
10. Discuss conclusion of archaeological project: preparation of report and publication-why it is important.
11. Examples of excavations: Koobi Fora Gatecliff Rockshelter, Catalhoyuk, Maiden Castle, Underwater (shell middens, ships), others
G. Activities: Formation processes, Stratigraphy and association, Continue Excavating Occaneechi Town http://www.ibiblio.org/dig/index.html
H. Readings: Fagan, Chapter 7