Home >> Science & Nature >> Artifacts

Archaeologist Tools for Excavating

Excavation is the main tool of archaeology. This controlled, systematic exploration of ancient sites begins with grids outlined with wood stakes and string and includes tedious, back-breaking work. The purpose of the excavation is to find evidence of past civilizations and clues to how they led their lives. From the tomb of King Tut in Egypt to the ancient Pueblo peoples of the Southwest, this same method was the primary tool of archaeologists. The tools used in excavations depend upon location, time limitations, and the method of excavation. Shovels, picks and trowels as well as bulldozers may be used to unearth the top levels of soil covering possible finds. It is unusual however, for heavy equipment to be used.

Setting up a Grid
- The grid is a tool used to cover the entire site, and then representative areas are selected to be worked on. It is initially set up using grid compasses, transit and tripod, rods, strings, dumpy and line levels, tape measures, a theodolite, wooden stakes, strings and plumbs. The theodolite is used to determine the horizontal and vertical slopes, angles and distances yielding x, y and z coordinates. X is northing, Y is easting and Z is elevation. Sledge hammers, machetes, sickles and weed eaters are used to clear rocks and plant life. Pocket knives and magnifying glasses are always part of the archaeologist's tool kit.
Beginning the Excavation
- With barriers removed and the grid laid, the excavation can begin. Not all tools are used in every dig but the process of excavation does require the removal of stones, dirt and sand. The archaeologist is not looking just for buildings but shards, jewelry, tools and weapons as well. Picks, shovels, spades, hoes and trowels are handled by gloved hands to carefully clear away barriers to the lower stratum of the site. Brushes and brooms sweep away dust and dirt to clear off structures. Rocks and dirt are dumped into wheelbarrows; the rocks and dirt are moved away from the grid but not discarded.
Closer Work of the Excavation
- The contents of the wheelbarrow will be sifted through shaker sifters to find tiny shards and pieces of household items or clothing remnants. Cameras and field notebooks are used to keep records of the process and even a Munsell color book is used to record the hue, value and chroma of items of colors. Tarps are necessary to cover the area to prevent rain and wind from disturbing the site.
Processing the Storage of Finds
- Items found within the grid are brought to tables to be cleaned and cataloged. Washing buckets, dental picks, drying trays, screens and sieves, and toothbrushes are used in cleaning the artifacts. Tweezers are used to handle the smallest artifacts. Items are weighed on metric scales and their descriptions recorded before being packed into storage bags and boxes. From here the items are sent to university and museum labs for further study.

Artifacts