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How to Dig in Archaeology

The science of archaeology allows researchers to discern how people lived in the past by digging for objects and human remains. An archaeological "dig" site can be conducted in a metropolitan area to uncover the city's history, or it can be at an ancient site thousands of years old. Since many unearthed artifacts are fragile, digging can be time consuming work, as workers must painstakingly examine every shovelful of dirt and debris.

Things You'll Need

Hoe
Penknife
Stakes
String
Pencil and paper
Sifting screen
Bucket
Small brush
Trowel
Spoon
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Mark off the area for the dig by pounding four stakes to form a large square. The area should form a square because this makes it easier to create a grid with smaller sections to work on.
- 2
  Pound stakes a foot apart along the perimeter.
- 3
  Tie string from each stake to the stake on the opposite side of the square, creating a grid pattern with each cell representing a square foot.
- 4
  Diagram your area on paper. As objects are found, record their location on your grid sheet.
- 5
  Dig with shovels, hoes and trowels to remove larger sections of dirt. Put the material in a bucket, and use a sifting screen to examine each shovelful of dirt. Small pieces of broken objects may be discovered by sifting. Designate an area where you will pile the dirt, or the "spoil heap," after it has been sifted.
- 6
  Use a penknife and a spoon to gently clear away compacted dirt around objects. A small brush will remove loose particles.
- 7
  Photograph or draw the orientation of objects on your grid sheet when you uncover them. The position of objects and their relation to other, nearby objects can be important later when archaeologists piece together the items' functions. Individual pieces also may be combined to form complete objects, such as broken pieces of pottery.

Artifacts