16 Questions
What is the primary purpose of stratigraphic excavation?
Excavating in layers to maintain the original context of the site
What is the term for categorizing artifacts based on characteristics, such as shape, material, and function?
Typology
What is the primary goal of site preservation?
Preserving the site in its original state, without excavating or removing artifacts
What is the term for identifying, evaluating, and protecting cultural resources?
Cultural resource management
What is the primary purpose of digital excavation?
Creating a digital record of the excavation process, including photographs, videos, and 3D scans
What is the term for taking steps to minimize the impact of development on cultural resources?
Mitigation
What is the main purpose of vertical excavation in archaeology?
To dig straight down to uncover layers of soil and artifacts
What is the benefit of preserving artifacts in their original context?
It helps to understand how artifacts were used and arranged
What is the primary goal of sieving in archaeology?
To use a mesh screen to sift through dirt and separate artifacts
What is the main purpose of conservation techniques in archaeology?
To preserve artifacts from further damage or deterioration
Why is it important to preserve cultural heritage sites and artifacts?
To provide a connection to the past and promote cultural understanding
What is the main threat to cultural heritage preservation?
Natural disasters, human activities, and climate change
What is the main benefit of experimental archaeology?
It helps to understand how artifacts were made and used
What is the main goal of horizontal excavation?
To dig outward from a central point to uncover a larger area
What is the main benefit of visual examination in artifact analysis?
It helps to understand the material and function of an artifact
What is the main goal of conservation in archaeology?
To preserve artifacts from further damage or deterioration
Study Notes
Excavation Techniques
- Stratigraphic excavation: excavating in layers to maintain the original context of the site
- Grid system: dividing the site into a grid to systematically excavate and document finds
- Troweling: using a trowel to carefully remove dirt and debris from the site
- Brushing: using a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dirt and debris from artifacts
- Screening: sifting through excavated dirt to recover small artifacts
Artifact Analysis
- Typology: categorizing artifacts based on characteristics, such as shape, material, and function
- Seriation: arranging artifacts in a chronological order to understand the site's history
- Material analysis: studying the physical properties of artifacts to understand their composition and production
- Residue analysis: analyzing the remains of organic materials on artifacts to understand their use
- Dating methods: using techniques such as radiocarbon dating, potassium-argon dating, and dendrochronology to determine the age of artifacts
Site Preservation
- In situ preservation: preserving the site in its original state, without excavating or removing artifacts
- Conservation: stabilizing the site and its artifacts to prevent deterioration
- Protection: protecting the site from looting, vandalism, and natural disasters
- Monitoring: regularly checking the site for signs of damage or deterioration
- Stabilization: taking measures to prevent further damage or deterioration, such as shoring up walls or roofs
Cultural Resource Management
- Cultural resource: any site, building, or object that has cultural significance
- Management: identifying, evaluating, and protecting cultural resources
- Inventory: creating a comprehensive list of cultural resources in a given area
- Assessment: evaluating the significance and potential impact of development on cultural resources
- Mitigation: taking steps to minimize the impact of development on cultural resources
Digital Preservation
- Digital excavation: creating a digital record of the excavation process, including photographs, videos, and 3D scans
- Virtual reconstruction: creating a digital model of the site or artifact
- Digital curation: preserving and providing access to digital data and artifacts
- Data management: organizing, storing, and backing up digital data
- Digital outreach: sharing digital content with the public, such as through online exhibits or social media
Test your knowledge of archaeological methods and techniques, including excavation, artifact analysis, site preservation, cultural resource management, and digital preservation. Learn about the various methods used in archaeology, from stratigraphic excavation to digital curation.
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