Tools for archaeology and excavation are essential for those of us who are archaeologists. While some of their equipment is expensive and highly specialized, others are just ordinary household items that have been modified for use in excavation. In actuality, a lot of archaeologists go through this process while using soft-bristled toothbrushes.
The Excavation Process: The Tools
What does an archeologist do?
An archeologist is a specialist who investigates the remnants of earlier human civilizations in order to gain more knowledge about them. Some of the primary duties of an archeologist include:
15 tools that archeologists use
Some tools that archeologists use include:
1. General digging tools
To begin work on the dig site, archaeologists use larger digging implements like various shovels and trowels. The general excavation descends to the cultural layer, or the area where civilizations’ ruins may be found, according to archaeologists The closer they get to their objective, they also use the flat edge of a trowel to gently scrape away dirt.
2. Detailed digging tools
Archaeologists use smaller, more delicate tools to preserve the remains as much as possible after they locate them. This could involve standard tools like brushes and dental picks as well as uncommon ones like plastic spoons. To reveal as much detail as possible, they can also use tools to blow air onto the remains.
3. Buckets
Buckets are used by archaeologists to collect all the dirt they gather from a site. When they are done with their work, they keep the dirt on hand so they can backfill or level out an excavation site. Additionally, buckets can be used to clear a space and keep a tidy work area.
4. Sieves and screens
A type of utensil known as sieves and screens is constructed from varying degrees of metal mesh and is mounted in a frame. These are used by archaeologists to meticulously comb through any dirt from the excavation site. This means they’re more likely to discover smaller remains that traditional excavation techniques can’t, such as fragments of pottery or incredibly tiny bones.
5. Recording materials
Once they locate remains, they can catalog them. Archaeologists make sure they have all the information they need for accurate analysis by using a variety of recording tools. To make proper notes, they use pencils, pens, paper, and clipboards. Additionally, they carefully bag and label any item they discover with precise information about where it was on the property.
6. Measuring tools
Archaeologists use string and stakes and other measuring tools, such as metric sticks, to create a square grid before digging at an excavation site. When it is later labeled, they will be able to record the exact location thanks to this. To gauge the size of the discovered remains, they also use tools like tape measures.
7. Cameras
For archaeologists, photography can be a helpful tool because it enables them to begin digitizing their data. It may enable them to determine the context of the discovered remains in relation to their positioning within the excavation site. Archaeologists can display the condition, specifics, and personality of each artifact as it is discovered by taking high-quality photographs.
8. Mapping tools
Using mapping tools to determine the precise latitude and longitude is one of the most important things archaeologists can do to create a precise recording of an artifact’s location. This can include more contemporary equipment like a GPS unit or less sophisticated tools like a compass. In order to find potential locations for artifacts, they can also benefit from historically accurate maps of their area.
9. Total station transit
In contemporary surveying, a total station transit is a precise optical measuring device. These help archaeologists precisely identify the boundaries of their excavation site and keep track of the precise locations of each piece of skeletal material. Archaeologists download the data from a total station onto a computer to begin the digital recording of information.
10. Construction tools
To ensure the safety of the scientists, excavation sites adhere to the same standards as construction sites. To lower the risk of accidents, they wear gear like hard hats, boots, and clothing with high contrast. Additionally, to clearly mark the edges for visitors who are not involved in the dig, archaeologists use caution tape in a bright color around the perimeter of the excavation site.
11. Safety tools
When working in an excavation site where there is a chance of injury, it can be helpful to have a first aid kit on hand. Since the majority of excavations take place in direct sunlight, archaeologists can also make sure to use sunscreen to protect themselves. Additionally, they might carry water, as staying hydrated is crucial for their occasionally demanding work.
12. Analytical equipment
When the archaeologists return to the lab, they continue to examine their artifacts’ data. They can hone the measurements and specifics of each artifact they found using a variety of scales, microscopes, and calipers. This helps them comprehend each artifact more thoroughly so they can form an accurate hypothesis about its larger context.
13. Cleaning and drying tools
Before letting stable artifacts dry on racks, archaeologists wash them with water and smaller brushes to remove the last of the dirt covering them. They simply use more powerful dusting tools for more delicate artifacts to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned. An artifact can be better preserved by being kept dry and clean.
14. Computer databases
Archaeology produces a vast amount of data that can be used to develop accurate hypotheses. They digitalize this data and store it in computer databases that record the images, their original location, and other recorded information. Future researchers will be able to easily locate each artifact’s data and current location thanks to computer databases, enabling them to study it long after the excavation site’s work is complete.
15. Long-term storage
After being thoroughly cleaned and examined, artifacts can go into long-term storage. Since organic materials make up the majority of the excavated artifacts, archaeologists must take great care when storing them to minimize the risk of deterioration. Additionally, they maintain the artifacts’ boxes in order on the shelves for ease of future reference and restoration.
FAQ
What tools do archaeologists use to study the past?
Regardless of the type of excavation, an archaeologist’s toolbox typically contains a few basic tools. Some of the more obvious or typical tools that an archaeologist may bring to most digs include shovels, trowels, spades, brushes, sieves, and buckets.
