Ethos Heritage Archeological Handbook

Training Support Ethos Heritage CIC

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Ethos Heritage CIC HANDBOOK References A. Health & Safety Handbook Act B. Museum of London Archaeological Site Manual 2nd ed. (Spence 1990).

C. Recording Historic Buildings A Descriptive Specification 3rd ed. (1996).

INTRODUCTION These guidelines give advice on the archaeological recording of a site. All evidenced human activity whether removing or introducing material can be isolated into episodes or contexts. Contexts form the basic division of the archaeological record: each separable element of the site should be given a unique context number. The objective is to record the context so that the archive describes it and record its stratigraphic relationships with other contexts.

A basic physical grouping of the contexts is achieved by the use of cut numbers. All fills of negative features (i.e. those pits, post holes, ditches etc cut into underlying layers or natural substrata). Positive features such as a floor layer, or make-up deposit, or a surface-built wall are not contained by cuts and are not grouped by cut numbers.

Pro-forma context sheets and index sheets are available on the WDH web site. Copies of all site recording forms, sheets and guidelines are available for copying and printing from the same site.

WDH has always operated a recording system that encourages all site staff to record what they excavate and find; the benefits of this method are flexibility and the promotion of both individual and collective responsibility within our work. The possible disadvantages of this method (disparate and inconsistent recording rendering comparison of deposits difficult) can be overcome by the adherence to a standard recording procedure, and communication and discussion between all site staff.

These guidelines are intended to cover most aspects of recording in most situations. However, some specialist areas, such as the excavation of complex urban deposits require the use of different methods and systems.

RECORDING GUIDELINES

Contexts: The Single and Multi-Context Sheets (non-urban) The single context form is the primary written record of the site and should be used in non-urban situations and should be completed as fully as possible. In addition to minimal requirements, all relevant information about a context should be entered in the text fields, so that the maximum evidence is permanently recorded, enabling informed interpretation. The context sheet is the best method of ensuring that records meet the minimum standards of recording. The tendency not to use context sheets, when time is short and conditions are difficult may be possible if all relevant information is recorded on the site drawings and indices are updated and cross-referenced. A multi-context recording form has recently been introduced, to help maintain recording standards where the use of single context sheets would be repetitive and time consuming. These forms can be used for the recording of the multiple fills of single cut features; contexts are recorded and indexed by the cut that they fill.

Recording a Context (most fields are present on both single & multi context forms).

Acc - Enter your site's accession number.

Site Name - this is important to fill in if an Accession Number has not yet been generated (multi form only).

Area - If your site is divided into Areas or trenches enter the relevant number.

Cut - Enter the cut number, if any, which the context fills. (Older sheets may continue to have an F here).

On the multi context form, it is useful if you also fill in the cut number again bottom right, where it can be 2

easily indexed. This correct indexing of multi-context sheets is critical if contexts are not to be lost.

Con/Cont No – Enter the context number.

Feature Type - This field is choice restricted: enter whichever of the following is the most accurate: (if you need to use other terms, consult a supervisor) Beam Slot; Cremation, Cut Feature; Ditch; Drain, Floor; Grave, Gully; Hearth; Kiln, Linear Feature; Oven, Pit; Post Hole; Wall; Treethrow; Stakehole, Structure etc.

Nature of Deposit – Is the context a cut, a fill, or layer. On the multi forms this box is replaced by a Cut or Fill box.

Grid Ref. - Fill this in if you have a grid established. Enter the SW grid co-ordinate of the context, either to the nearest metre or using 5m blocks for linear features.

Length; Width; Dp/Ht - The dimensions should be entered on each context form. The standard way to write dimensions is by metres e.g. 1.45m. If less than 0.1m record in mm. Give min. and max. dimensions for incompletely excavated contexts, and indicate continuation e.g. 2.31m+.

Description –Use the prompts for the description of a context as a deposit, or a cut. The time available to describe a context will vary between sites; the level of detail and accuracy of individual sediment descriptions must be tailored to the site and the perceived significance of the deposits.

For deposits describe the colour, composition, coarse components and compaction.

Colour – Describe the basic colour of a moist, freshly cleaned sediment surface; describe any mottling (using the % chart, Fig 2, below). Use the following combination of modifier, hue and colour to best describe the context. Note any colour change after exposure to air.

MODIFIER Light, mid or dark

HUE Pinkish Reddish Yellowish, Orangish Brownish Greenish Bluish Greyish

COLOUR Pink Red Yellow Brown Green Blue White Grey Black

Fig 1. Set terms for colour descriptions Composition – This refers to the main components, amounting to 10% or more of the deposit.

Commonly they are of less than 2mm in size, and together these particles in varying relative proportions form the basis of many deposits you will find. These particles in ascending size are: CLAY; SILT; FINE SAND (0.02<0.06mm) MEDIUM SAND (0.06<0.20mm) COARSE SAND (0.2<2mm) Particles less than 2mm have different characteristics; by performing a simple field test, you will be able to estimate the type of sediment you are recording. To best determine texture, a moistened sample is worked between thumb and finger to destroy natural aggregates, and maximum plasticity attained. The qualities of the sample can then be used to assess its composition. With experience, your abilities to recognise and record the different sediment types without running through the test procedure will improve; however for some contexts, testing remains the advised method for proper recording.

The terms ‘Loam’ or ‘Soil’ should only be used when the context is a garden soil, plough soil, or other soil that has developed in situ. If you think that the deposit was once a soil, special attention to the recording of that deposit is necessary. Consult the Environmentalist.

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Soils For detailed guidelines on the description of soils a good starting point is Soil Survey Field Handbook, Soil Survey Technical Monograph No.5, J.M. Hodgson (ed.) 1974.

Each quarter of any one square has the same percentage of black

Fig 2. Chart for estimating of % compositions (after Hodgson 1974).

Fig 3. Chart for estimating sorting of course components. (after Folk 1974 & Spence 1990).

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SAHA Heritage Site Recording Manual

Rub moist sediment between fingers Sticky & hard to break?

Breaks easily & cleanly?

N

Y N Stains fingers?

CLAY

Y N Smooth & silky?

Also sticky?

Y N

Sandy or gritty?

N SANDY SILT

S

Forms U without breaking?

CLAYEY SAND

Y Y N Y

Forms ball ?

SILTY SAND

N

Grains like granulated sugar?

Like Castor sugar?

N Y

COARSE SAND

Fig 4. Procedure for the description of archaeological sediments (after Spence 1990).

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SAHA Heritage Site Recording Manual Coarse Components/Inclusions – Describe all elements of the deposit that form less than 10% of the overall deposit. These may include pebbles, pottery, tile, bone and shell. Indicate the size range and completeness of fragments. Gauge the sizes of pebbles, and with the % chart their frequency (described as % or text).

Describe the extent to which coarse components are sorted by referring to the chart on p3; this has important interpretative significance.

Contexts with stones appearing within finer sediments are matrix supported; where the stones touch each other (commonly in river gravel deposits) they are clast supported.

Frequency Rare (1<5%) Occasional (5<15%) Common (15<40%) Abundant (40%<)

Size Small 2mm<6mm Medium 6mm<20mm Large 20mm<60mm Cobbles 60mm<200mm

Fig 5. Definitions of the frequency and size of course components.

Describe the shape of inclusions according to the following

Fig 6. Degrees of roundness (after Powers 1953 & Spence 1990)

Organic/chemical components; Note the character and quantity (%) of organic/chemical components that may form part of the deposit such as root fibres, iron pan, manganese etc. Note any waterlogging.

Disturbance; Note the presence of any bioturbation of the deposit – disturbance by roots, animal burrows etc.

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SAHA Heritage Site Recording Manual Compaction The following standard terms apply to the compaction or strength of a sediment. The excavator of a deposit is the best assessor of its compaction.

TYPE Coarse sediments

TERM grained Indurated Strongly cemented Weakly cemented Compact Loose

Fine grained sediments

Peat

Hard Stiff Firm Soft Very Soft Friable Firm Spongy Plastic

DEFINITION Broken only with a sharp pick blow, even when soaked Cannot be broken with hands.

Pick removes sediment in lumps, which can be broken with hands.

Requires mattock for excavation.

Can be excavated with hoe or trowel; readily falls into single grains eg sands.

Brittle or very tough.

Cannot be moulded with fingers Moulded only by strong finger pressure Easily moulded with fingers Exudes between fingers when squeezed Non-plastic crumbles in fingers.

Fibres compressed together.

Very compressible and open structure.

Can be moulded in hands and smeared between fingers.

Fig 7. Guide to description of compaction or sediment strength (after Spence 1990).

For Cuts describe the plan shape, sides, base and orientation. A complex shape will always be better recorded by drawing than by description.

Plan shape Use the following terms: square, circular, sub-circular, sub-rectangular, oval, linear, curvilinear, or irregular.

Sides These may be vertical, convex, concave, or stepped. If there is a marked change, it may be easier to describe upper and lower sides. The change between slopes is known as the break of slope and may be sharp, gradual, or not perceptible.

Base May be flat, concave or sloping (give direction of the downward slope), pointed, tapered (blunt/sharp), or uneven.

Orientation Give the orientation of the feature’s major axis. If the base is not central describe its location relative to the top.

Notes - Fill in this field as fully as possible, continue on the back of the sheet where necessary. Indicate why you have defined the context/contexts as a group entity, and include all information that might be relevant to interpretation. Avoid the tendency to use the same description for large numbers of contexts, and perhaps highlight similarities and dissimilarities with surrounding contexts.

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Ethos Heritage CIC Heritage Site Recording Manual

Sketch - Draw a sketch profile on the context sheet for features that are not drawn in half section. It is always useful to use sketch drawings to record information about contexts.

Interpretation - What do you consider the context/contexts to represent and why? Draw a sketch plan where it aids interpretation, or where the relative location of the context is important. How do you think a deposit has accumulated and why? Why has a gully been dug or recut?

Context Relationships Use the matrix area to record what contexts are directly above, and what contexts are directly below the context being described. Enter the stratigraphic and not the physical relationships. If you are unsure of a relationship include a question mark, or use the Uncertain box. If the context can safely be equated with another use the Same as box. Discuss direct and indirect relationships if you are unsure.

Both on the single and multi context forms a box is provided for listing all contexts contained by a cut.

This need only be done on the Cut sheet. (on rear of sheet) Conditions - Comment on dry or waterlogged ground, standing water, time restrictions, other contractors etc - any conditions that have affected your recognition, excavation and recording of the deposits.

Truncation - Comment on the extent of truncation by other features, ploughing, machining, fluvial activity etc.

Use the Method of exc.: prompt as appropriate.

use Boundary to lower context prompts to record: •

the thickness (in mm) of boundary between the context and that which it overlay Sharp 5-25mm; Clear 25-60mm; Diffuse 60-130mm).

•

the shape of that boundary. Standard descriptions of the terms are as follows.

Smooth - The boundary surface is plane with few irregularities Wavy - The boundary surface has broad shallow pockets Irregular - The boundary surface has pockets that are deeper than they are wide Broken - The boundary is interrupted Enter the relevant Finds information where prompted. Consider the possibility of contamination from later intrusions or any other source in the context description. State method of finds retrieval, and whether all finds were collected. Consider types of finds that might indicate the origin of the context.

Enter Samples information where prompted. (Refer to the Sampling guidelines at the back of this manual). Reasons for sampling include: Routine/ Waterlogged/ Spot/ Identification/ Radiocarbon/ Molluscs/ Phosphate/ Sediment etc.

Photos - Enter the colour and monochrome film nos. of relevant photographs. A small (A5 or A6) book kept with the cameras is preferable to loose sheets. Using a combined index for colour and B&W will save time (see Note 2).

Level Nos. - Where your site has a levels book with a running total of levels, include those that relate to this specific context (not another context in the same feature) (see Note 3).

Top OD enters the highest value for the feature Base OD enter the lowest value for the feature (not often used).

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Ethos Heritage CIC Heritage Site Recording Manual

Drawing Numbers (front of sheet) In most instances, use one index for plans and sections (see Note 1).

Plan Nos. – Only include a plan number on contexts that are actually shown on a plan.

Section Nos. - As for plans EDM File To be filled in by EDM operator/survey supervisor. Experience has shown that the use of a file name that incorporates Site name, and date/year is useful. eg HB20030922.

Dug By/Date/Recorded By/Date - Enter the relevant initials and dates.

On Matrix This applies to the overall site matrix and not the individual matrix at the base of the sheet. Not required for rural sites.

On Comp Used when a database of the site is being compiled Checked Used by those responsible for checking the recorded information.

Drawings • • •

Take a drawing number from the index, checking that sheet and the index tally (i.e. that all drawings have been indexed).

Use hard pencils (4, 5 or 6H).

Annotate clearly.

Plans • Mark the position of other drawings, and levels. List reduced levels on the drawing; label sections on the side from which they have been drawn.

• Include a key to any abbreviations used.

• Orientate the drawing with a north arrow or compass points (ideally keep north to top).

• Locate the drawing by showing site grid points/ EDM planning points.

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Ethos Heritage CICSite Recording Manual

Drawing Conventions

Numbers Edge of context

Fills/Laye rs 4 5

Cut s 33

Samp le 7 6

Small Find 9

Edge of excavation/line of section Edge of intrusion/truncation uncertain

Uncertain

more uncertain

or

or

Slopes steep & short

gentle & long

Length & direction of slope

vertical breaking to less steep

break

base

(a profile drawn at 1.10 is the most efficient way to record a slope)

Section/plan points

.

S5.6

.

.

Section line labelled on open (drawn) side

3

Level and no.

S Stone & upstanding edge Charcoal Clay S

Sand & Gravel Clay

Mortar

Stone & slope direction

Pottery

P

Bone B Avoid the block use of deposit symbols

T

Tile (or CBM/Brick)

If different symbols are used, always include a legible key

Fig 8. Drawing Conventions.

Sections:

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Ethos Heritage CICSite Recording Manual

• Always ensure section datum strings are tight (be aware that line levels can be inaccurate especially with strings over 3m in length).

• Position the datum nail where it can not be easily disturbed (i.e. with head flush with the ground surface) if it is not to be levelled immediately.

• Label all contexts and cut numbers.

• Orientate the section points (i.e. E W) and state facing direction (i.e. South facing).

Also remember to: • Include your initials, the scale and date.

• Ideally remove masking tape from sheets as you finish with them, or use bulldog clips.

• Avoid keeping drawings on both sides of the drawing boards, as the drawings are inadvertently erased Levels • If using a dumpy level, it is your responsibility to ensure that the section datum and plan levels are recorded.

If the EDM is being used, the EDM file column on the drawings index is a useful place to account for what has, and what has not been recorded. This should be filled in by those responsible for the surveying of the site.

Note 1 Drawing numbers Historically plans were drawn on large, gridded sheets; it was necessary for sections to be drawn on different sheets and numbered from separate indices. In the current more pragmatic conditions and with the use of Total Station theodolytes to locate plan and section points, the drawing system and numbering system has changed accordingly. It is now often advisable in non-urban situations to have one index for all drawings so reducing the possibilities of duplicate and confusing EDM codes, and enabling one drawing sheet to be used for a variety of records The drawings index sheet provides self-explanatory columns for differentiating drawings. Number drawing sheets from an index, and individual drawings consecutively on that sheet e.g. S10.03, P10.04 etc. The use of either a sheet index for sections and plans, or prenumbered sheets is essential to avoid duplication of sheet numbers.

Note 2

Photographs All significant features, main sections and feature groups should be photographed in colour digital and 35mm monochrome. Do not routinely photograph individual features unless for a specific reason.

Photographs should include a metric scale, a north arrow and identifying context or section number (although only a scale might be included on extra shots for potential publication or display). The letters/numbers can be magnetic or card letters or a photo board using dry wipe pens (chalkboards if used MUST NOT be stored in the camera case).

The standard procedure is to bracket the exposure shots (ie deliberate over- and under-exposure): take three photographs of each shot with exposure meter central, one stop below and one position above all at the same speed. With deep cut features it is often necessary to take a fourth photograph with the

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Ethos Heritage CICSite Recording Manual

meter set two positions above the centre point so that the lower part of the feature is properly exposed. It is often necessary to take a light reading within the feature for proper exposure.

The camera should never be handheld at less than 1/60th second but a tripod allows for slower speeds. A tripod gives more flexibility and control and its use is encouraged for publicity shots. General site photos should be taken with as great a depth of field as possible so that as much as possible of the foreground and background are in focus. Set the camera speed to 1/60 th sec and adjust the aperture accordingly. A shot taken at 1/60th sec at f22 will have a much greater depth of field than a shot taken at 1/500 second at f4. Conversely detail or section shots will be clearer if a fast speed (e.g. 1/500 th sec) and low f-stop are used. Some general site shots also benefit from fast speed/low f-stop giving a clear crisp focus on detail, particularly good for working action shots. .A range of general site photographs and working shots should be taken, especially with colour slide film, for use in publicity material and lectures.

A record shot should be taken at the start of every film, showing the unit’s address the site code, and the film number. A book photo index should be with the cameras; a description, orientation and date should be recorded (along with scale details) for all photographs. Avoid loose-leaf photo index sheets as these are prone to weather/damage or loss.

Films should be changed with clean hands and indoors (or vehicle). Regularly clean cameras and always when they are returned to store. Check returned films promptly to ensure that exposure meters are functioning correctly. Fit skylight filters to protect lenses; report equipment damage.

Newer cameras (e.g. Pentax P30) have automatic advanced settings, which can be useful. These are: Programmed AE mode, which automatically adjusts to the most suitable shutter speed and aperture.

Useful for quick shots when there is little time.

Aperture priority AE mode that allows manual setting of aperture, automatically adjusting the shutter speed. Use when you need to control the depth of field.

Metered manual mode, which allows any manual combination of aperture and speed. Use to bracket Programmed auto flash mode There should be a user manual hiding in the photo box.

Note 3 Levels: Dumpys versus EDMs. Avoid reliance on an EDM for onsite levelling. Be aware that reliance on the use of an EDM theodolyte to level sections where gradients are involved will lead to inaccuracies. Keep the prism height as low as possible at all times.

The use of a dumpy level is advised for general levelling as it is quicker, more flexible and maintains the levelling of drawings as the drawers responsibility. Everyone must be able to use a dumpy level.

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Finds Retrieval and Treatment All finds of all categories and periods should be kept, with the following exceptions: • Unstratified unworked bone (unless human).

• Unstratified building material unless of specific interest e.g. faced stone, medieval ridge tile, nibbed tile, stamped tile or any unusual form.

• Slate is only normally kept when cut to a recognisable shape, or when it has a nail hole*.

• Post medieval bricks and unfaced stone, unless taken as a sample. * On some excavations where the slate assemblage may be subject to analysis, this may be inappropriate (i.e. if analysis of slate is to be meaningful).

Consult a supervisor.

If you are in any doubt as to whether a particular find is worth keeping, and a supervisor is not available to ask, keep the find so that it can be dealt with at a later date.

Do not remove any finds from samples unless they appear too delicate to survive wet sieving.

Small Finds All finds which are not pottery, building material, shell, post medieval window glass, or unworked bone should be given a small finds number. Each object should be numbered and bagged separately. Iron nails can sometimes often be bulk bagged under one small finds number but not if they are surviving in situ from a construction such as a coffin, where location and orientation may be important evidence. Always consider that the artefact may be in situ; and need detailed recording and treatment prior to lifting.

Bagging and Boxing Finds Finds need to be stored in such a way that they will survive to be analysed and conserved.

The information below is a very brief guide to general site procedure. The most important requirements of finds packaging are • •

physical protection of the objects the control of moisture content of materials (to ensure they are stored in the same waterlogged/wet/dry environment in which they were found)

If in any doubt about how to look after a find consult your supervisor, the Finds Officer, or a copy of First Aid for Find.

Building material, post prehistoric pottery, and shell can usually be bulk bagged. Include a finds label and mark the outside of the bag with the site code and context number. Unworked bone and sturdy metal objects should be placed in a punched bag, in order that excess moisture can evaporate.

Fragile Prehistoric pottery and delicate metal objects should be wrapped in acid free tissue paper and placed in a crystal box (containing a label and marked on the outside with the site code and context number) of the appropriate size so that they will not be damaged in transit.

These should be taken to, and stored in, the Materials Lab. as soon as possible. Metal finds

should be placed in a plastic box with silica gel and an indicator card to ensure a dry environment. If appropriate, delicate objects should sent to the Archaeological Conservator as soon as possible. Conservation forms are available from the Finds Officers and the network.

Glass, shale, leather, worked bone, and other organic objects should be bagged with a little water and placed in a plastic box in the Materials Lab. This should stop glass from flaking, and organics from drying out and cracking.

Worked flint from prehistoric contexts should be bagged individually. They should not be washed until the possible use of microwear analysis has been assessed. When washing and marking finds, make sure you are aware of the requirements relating to each specific site.

Pottery should be marked on the inside of the vessel; flint marked away from the edges. On some hand-made pottery and flint nail varnish should also be used (under and/or over marking) to ensure marking is permanent.

If in any doubt about how to look after a find consult your supervisor, the Finds Officer, or First Aid for Finds 3rd ed.

Recording Masonry Materials - Record all forms of building material used.

Size - Record dimensions of bricks.

Finish - Record the finish of stones eg roughly hewn, squared .

Coursing/Bond - Record the coursing or bonding pattern .

Form - Describe the form - it a wall, a foundation, arched, a rebuild or repair.

Orientation - If the feature has one or more faces, which way do they face.

Bonding material - Describe the bonding material as if was a deposit. If brickwork record the height of four courses and four joint beds.

Care is required when cleaning softer stone types to prevent damage to original marks and features. Resist the temptation to scrape away soil with trowels, as this inevitably causes damage.

Further Reading For the main styles of stone finishing, coursing and typical brick bonding patterns, refer to Museum of London Archaeological Site Manual 2nd ed. (Spence 1990).

For the recording of Buildings refer to RCHM England, Recording Historic Buildings A Descriptive Specification 3rd ed. (1996).

Ethos Heritage CIC GUIDE TO FIELDWORK FEATURES Once identified and cleaned, there is a step-by-step way most features are done. An open area with lots of features will often be photographed (before everyone walks over it) and then drawn before excavating individual features. This is where you come in!!

Step by Step… for a feature 1. Excavate the feature i.e. pit, ditch, grave etc (often by half sectioning it).

2. Photograph It (use scales!!).

3. Draw it (clearly label it!! and take levels.

4. Write out the context sheets in full for each context 5. Make sure all finds, records, photos etc are clearly labelled and cross-referenced.

6. Hand in you records to the nominated person on site 7. If unsure ask for help

Photographs of features ALWAYS need the following • A scale and a North arrow.

• Identifying numbers or labels also help.

• Use a Photo Board if you have one

WHY RECORD Many sites are written up months or years later. It is essential that records are complete and accurate throughout the dig.

FINDS FINDS Finds are the key to dating most features, so it is essential to look after them. They must always be: • Kept in a clearly labelled tray or finds bag with the correct context number.

• If you aren’t sure where a find came from or which context it belongs to then save it as U/S (unstratified). It is better to lose the find than mess up the dating of a context.

• See our collection policy, ask site director, or finds officer is unsure DRAWINGS Drawing a feature is often better than a photo as it is possible to highlight context changes far more clearly than a photo.

No artistic skills required to do this!

Drawings are made on gridded paper at two main scales: •

Sections are drawn at a scale of 1:10 so that 1 metre equals 10cm on the drawing sheet.

•

Plans are generally at 1:20 so that 1m equals 5cm on the drawing sheet.

• Label each drawing and the compass points for section strings or where is on a plan.

TAKING A North LEVEL If a site grid is being used put these coordinates on too.

Plans can be drawn by using planning points – nails placed in the ground and used as a baseline from which measurements are taken.

SURVEY Sections use section points in the same way but on a vertical plane with a string tied between them. A line level (as used by bricklayers) is used to make the string perfectly level.

Whilst we can draw and photograph features we also need to know relative heights of walls, base of pits, section lines etc. to every other part of the site This is done using a dumpy level and a staff – basically a telescope on a fixed plane looking at a big vertical ruler.

The measured height of the feature is called the Reduced Level The reference height is called the TBM which is a known height above sea level. From this point we can measure everything else on site.

TOP TIPS! • Trowel in a straight line, not in circles. Keep in line with everyone else and trowel in the same direction. (Kneel do not sit!)

• Don’t walk over your, or anyone else’s, nicely trowelled area. People will not be happy • Think about what you are digging. Where does it fit in with the rest of the site or tell us about what we are excavating?

• Could you draw what you have done?

• Has your context got a number? Has it been properly recorded?

• Don’t swing your mattock over your head, you will hit someone (Blood over the features is messy and doesn’t photograph well) • Make sure your finds tray/bag is properly labelled. Bring it to the site hut or I will hunt you down!

• Label those plans and section drawings or you will not be fed!

• Enjoy it

Short Guide to Field Work

Skills on Site

Ethos Heritage CIC

Short Guide to Field Work:

Skill 1: Basic Health and Safety • Be aware of the changing dangers on site • Make sure you are wearing the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the job you are doing • Keep the area you are working in tidy and hazard free….no one else is going to do it for you • Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially around human waste, chemicals, fungus etc.

• Make sure you have an up to date Tetanus jab Skill 2: Basic Site Equipment • Use all tools safely and correctly • Be aware of any safety issues involved in the tools or equipment you are using • Check your tools before you use them to make sure they are safe. If they are broken or faulty don’t just put them back…tell a supervisor. When you are finished with your tools, put them back clean, tidy and where they should be Skill 3: Recording on site • Remember the site code and the appropriate symbols for different contexts • Double check that all the appropriate information is recorded on your context sheet • Make sure you have all the correct information written on your finds bags • Always put the correct finds into the correct tray

Skill 4: Drawing Sections and Plans • Make sure all of your drawings have the following information clearly labelled o Trench name/number o Orientation of section o Scale (usually a section is drawn at 1:10 and a plan at 1:20) o Key for symbols/shading used o Date o Names of persons drawing it o Appropriate symbols to define different layers, context

Skill 5: Photography • When taking photographs on site make sure of the following o That your feature(s) are clearly visible o There is no shadow o You are taking the photograph from the correct perspective o No equipment is visible in the photograph o Take regular pictures from different angles of your feature(s) as work progresses including “before and after” shots

Short Guide to Field Work:

o o o o o

Ensure that the correct information is on the photo board Always have a North Arrow in the photograph Make sure that the board does not hide or obscure your feature(s) Select the correct scales Place the scales in the appropriate position

Skill 6: Survey Equipment and Survey Method • Make sure your view is not blocked or obscured • Try and find the best place to set up the Level or EDM…it really helps • Make sure you have a clean line of sight towards the TBM and all features you wish to survey

Skill 7: Site Grid 1. Make sure you do not put any spoil in the way of the site grid….it will save you having to move it later!

2. When planning the site/trench, keep your tapes straight 3. Once you have set out your grid, check it is correct using the diagonal measurement 5m X 5m = 7.07m 10m X 10m = 14.14m 20m X 20m = 28.28m Skill 8: Using a Map and Compass 1. It might seem like a simple thing but make sure the map is facing the correct way 2. Try and keep your compass flat and steady 3. Remember the 3 types of North a. True b. Magnetic c. Grid Skill 9: Laying out a Trench/Area • Check for buried services (pipes, electrical cables etc.) before you start digging • Always put your spoil heap away from the edge of a trench…nothing ruins a day like a collapsing section • Consider the location of the spoil heap if you were wanting to expand the trench later

Short Guide to Field Work:

• •

Think about how you will transport spoil to your chosen location Keep your sections clean and vertical (A straight face and a clean bottom!)

Skill 10: Portfolio of work • • •

Keep a basic diary in your field notebook of what you do during the day or any ideas that may come to you Take lots of photographs during the day If there is a particular aspect of archaeology or job you have enjoyed or hated, write about it 5 Handy Hints

1. Wear clothing appropriate to the site you are working on….. Keep an extra pair of socks to hand…in wet, cold weather you will appreciate it!

2. Think about personal hygiene …..Your hands may look clean but an archaeological site is a potential cesspool…..wash your hands and pack hand sanitizer 3. If in doubt, ask!! There is no such thing as a stupid question 4. Never walk into another person’s area without asking first…..they won’t be happy if you trample their nice, cleaned feature or surface 5. Last of all……. Enjoy yourself!!! (Compulsory)

Washing Finds •

All finds from the same context MUST be kept together during washing. Each bag’s contents must be placed in its own tray once washed.

•

The tray should be lined with newspaper (replaced when damp) and should also contain two waterproof labels, which state all the information from the bag, e.g. Site code, context, cut etc. and any notes given by the excavator

Pottery •

It is very important that the broken edges are thoroughly clean

•

Take care over brushing fragile, prehistoric pottery

Animal Bone •

Take care with fragile bone

•

Clean the biting surface of the teeth in jawbones

Ceramic Building Material (CBM) •

Do not soak any pieces that may contain traces of mortar

Short Guide to Field Work:

•

Lightly brush any areas that have evidence of glazing or being vitrified

•

It is very important that the broken edges are thoroughly clean

DO NOT WASH the following; •

Any unstratified material (u/s or cleaning layers)

•

Tesserae

•

Shell

•

Charcoal

•

Metal objects (never be tempted to try washing or cleaning)

•

Mortar and Painted Wall Plaster

•

Glass

•

Wood

•

Any ‘small finds’

Drawing Conventions Fills/Laye rs 45

Numbers

Cut s

Sampl e

33

Small Find

76

9

Edge of context Edge of excavation/line of section Edge of intrusion/truncation Uncertain

Uncertain

or

or

More uncertain

Vertical breaking to less steep

Steep & short

Gentle & long

break Break

Bas e

(A profile drawn at 1.10 is the most efficient way to record a slope)

Section/plan points

S5.6

.

.

of slope Length &&direction of slope direction Length

Slopes

.

Section line labelled on open (drawn) side

3

Level and no.

S

Stone & upstanding edge Clay

Charco al S

Sand & Gravel

Stone & slope direction Pottery

P

Mort ar

B

Bone

Avoid the block use of deposit symbols T

Tile (or CBM/Brick)

If different symbols are used, always include a legible key

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