Mapping, Day 2

Rake Triage

Today, we were able to finish up the base map for the site and this summer's field project.  Currently, we have two distinct loci of features with a total of at least six features.  Several of the features seem to have grown as we went to town with more raking today.

Feature 4

Thus far, very few artifacts have been noted on the surface of the site.  This seems a bit unusual, but there also is a good amount of deposition at the site, despite it being between two bedrock outcrops.  I'm hoping the deposition is covering a decent collection of artifacts. As I was telling the team today, though, negative evidence tells us something too, though most won't find that that rewarding when excavating.

Rakers at Work

As with yesterday, I continue to be impressed with the value of rakes in archaeology. Taking of the cover of leaf litter and exposing stone underneath really is analogous to troweling down in an excavation unit on features and artifacts.

Extension of Wall Uncovered Through Raking

Orange Archaeology, Day 1 (Mapping)

Today, myself and a handful of very helpful volunteers begin the preparations for this summer's field project. For the most part, today was about getting familiar with the site and starting the base field map that will serve as a summary reference for excavation units completed this summer.

Stone Walls

Corner Uncovered with Rake

It was a good day, hot (for March), but good.  The central place of rakes in archaeology was reinforced as one of the most often said phrases was, "get the rake!"  I'll post raking action shots later this week.

Our Mapping Instrument

Earthen Berm (it's difficult to see in this image)