Lecture 9 - Intro To Archaeology Flashcards
What can maps in archaeology include?
Maps can include topographical contours, excavation record, scale, north arrow, cultural elements, and more.
What is the major way to acquire data of the past in archaeology?
Archaeological excavation is the major way to acquire data of the past.
Is the entire site excavated during archaeological excavation?
Generally, the entire site is not excavated; techniques are always changing.
What happens to sites that are threatened?
Sites that are threatened may be entirely excavated.
What is a site datum?
A site datum is a reference point from which everything is measured.
What is established from the site datum?
A grid is established from the datum.
Why is provenience important in archaeology?
Provenience is important because we want to know where everything is.
What is the standard size of an excavation unit?
The standard size of an excavation unit is 1x1 m, especially in BC.
What size are excavation units often on the coast?
On the coast, excavation units are often 2x2 m, especially in shell mittens.
What are common excavation tools?
Common excavation tools include a trowel (masonry trowel) and buckets.
What is recording provenience?
Recording provenience is the three-dimensional location of artifacts and other archaeological data within an archaeological site.
What are methods of measuring provenience?
Methods include optical transit/stadia rod, total station, compass/hip chain and GPS, and sifting/sieving/screening.
What is horizontal excavation?
Horizontal excavation involves opening up the whole site.
What is the purpose of archaeological excavation?
Archaeological excavation is an intensive data collection method used to gain information about a site.
What does the Borden Site Designation Scheme do?
It is used to identify archaeological sites across Canada.
