Sign Up

Have an account? Sign In Now

Sign In

Forgot Password?

Don't have account, Sign Up Here

Forgot Password

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.

Have an account? Sign In Now

You must login to ask a question.

Forgot Password?

Need An Account, Sign Up Here

Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.

Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.

Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.

Sign InSign Up

Abstract Classes

Abstract Classes Logo Abstract Classes Logo
Search
Ask A Question

Mobile menu

Close
Ask a Question
  • Home
  • Polls
  • Add group
  • Buy Points
  • Questions
  • Pending questions
  • Notifications
    • sonali10 has voted up your question.September 24, 2024 at 2:47 pm
    • Abstract Classes has answered your question.September 20, 2024 at 2:13 pm
    • The administrator approved your question.September 20, 2024 at 2:11 pm
    • banu has voted up your question.August 20, 2024 at 3:29 pm
    • banu has voted down your question.August 20, 2024 at 3:29 pm
    • Show all notifications.
  • Messages
  • User Questions
  • Asked Questions
  • Answers
  • Best Answers
Home/ Questions/Q 47512
Next
In Process
Ramakant Sharma
Ramakant SharmaInk Innovator
Asked: April 25, 20242024-04-25T13:23:36+05:30 2024-04-25T13:23:36+05:30In: Anthropology

What is excavation in Archaeological Studies ? Discuss any two methods of excavation with suitable diagrams.

In terms of Archaeological Studies, what is excavation? Explain any two excavation techniques using the appropriate diagrams.

BANC 103IGNOU
  • 0
  • 11
  • 32
  • 0
  • 0
Share
  • Facebook

    1 Answer

    • Voted
    • Oldest
    • Recent
    1. Ramakant Sharma Ink Innovator
      2024-04-25T13:24:26+05:30Added an answer on April 25, 2024 at 1:24 pm

      1. Introduction to Excavation in Archaeological Studies

      Excavation is a crucial method used in archaeological studies to uncover, document, and analyze archaeological remains buried beneath the earth's surface. It involves systematically removing layers of soil and sediment to reveal artifacts, features, and structures left behind by past human societies. Excavation provides archaeologists with direct access to the material record, allowing them to study past cultures, lifeways, and environments.

      2. Methods of Excavation

      Excavation methods vary depending on the site's characteristics, research objectives, and preservation conditions. Two commonly used methods of excavation are:

      3. Stratigraphic Excavation

      Stratigraphic excavation, also known as layer excavation, is a method used to excavate archaeological sites in horizontal layers or strata, following the natural deposition of sediments over time. This method allows archaeologists to uncover and record the chronological sequence of occupation and activity at a site, providing insights into the site's formation processes and cultural history.

      Procedure:

      1. Establishing Grid System: Archaeologists first establish a grid system to divide the site into manageable excavation units, typically using strings and stakes to mark out squares or rectangles.

      2. Removal of Topsoil: The excavation begins by removing the topsoil layer, which often contains modern disturbances and debris. This layer is carefully excavated using shovels, trowels, and brushes, and the soil is screened to recover small artifacts and ecofacts.

      3. Stratigraphic Excavation: Once the topsoil is removed, archaeologists proceed to excavate each stratigraphic layer systematically, starting from the uppermost layer and working downwards. Each layer is excavated separately, with careful documentation of artifacts, features, and soil characteristics.

      4. Recording and Sampling: Throughout the excavation process, archaeologists record detailed observations, measurements, and photographs of stratigraphic layers, artifacts, and features. They also collect samples of soil, sediment, and organic materials for laboratory analysis and dating.

      5. Interpretation: After excavation, archaeologists analyze the stratigraphic sequence to reconstruct the site's occupational history, cultural phases, and activity patterns. They interpret the spatial relationships between artifacts and features to understand how the site was used and modified over time.

      4. Vertical Excavation (Test Pits)

      Vertical excavation, also known as test pits or trenching, is a method used to excavate archaeological sites in vertical profiles, focusing on specific areas of interest or research questions. This method allows archaeologists to investigate the depth and stratigraphy of deposits quickly and efficiently, providing insights into site formation processes and cultural contexts.

      Procedure:

      1. Selection of Test Area: Archaeologists select specific areas within the site where they want to excavate test pits based on research objectives, site characteristics, and preliminary survey data.

      2. Digging Test Pits: Excavators dig test pits using shovels, spades, and trowels, following predetermined dimensions and depths. The walls of the test pits are typically vertical or sloping, depending on the site's soil stability and safety considerations.

      3. Recording and Sampling: As with stratigraphic excavation, archaeologists record detailed documentation of artifacts, features, and sediment layers encountered in the test pits. They collect samples for analysis and dating, as well as documenting any changes in soil color, texture, or composition.

      4. Interpretation: After excavation, archaeologists analyze the vertical stratigraphy of the test pits to reconstruct the site's depositional history and cultural sequence. They interpret the spatial distribution of artifacts and features to understand patterns of human activity and site organization.

      Conclusion

      Excavation is a fundamental method used in archaeological studies to uncover and study the material remains of past human societies. Stratigraphic excavation and vertical excavation are two commonly used methods, each offering unique insights into site formation processes, cultural contexts, and chronological sequences. By carefully documenting and analyzing archaeological evidence recovered through excavation, archaeologists can reconstruct past lifeways, behaviors, and environments, contributing to our understanding of human history and cultural heritage.

      • 0
      • Share
        Share
        • Share onFacebook
        • Share on Twitter
        • Share on LinkedIn
        • Share on WhatsApp

    Related Questions

    • Explain the changing nature of Tourism and how applied anthropologists can contribute towards this.
    • What are the factors that can help in developing sustainable tourism practices?
    • List some of the terminologies that are used in describing tourism today.
    • Briefly state the aspects that sustainable tourism and its development and planning should take into account.
    • State how the development of information technology affected the tourism industry?
    • Outline the face of contemporary tourism in today’s globalised world.
    • Give the meaning of the term ‘local’ as discussed in the study of tourism.
    • Which national park in Assam is a part of the World Heritage Sites?

    Sidebar

    Ask A Question

    Stats

    • Questions 21k
    • Answers 21k
    • Popular
    • Tags
    • Pushkar Kumar

      Bachelor of Science (Honours) Anthropology (BSCANH) | IGNOU

      • 0 Comments
    • Pushkar Kumar

      Bachelor of Arts (BAM) | IGNOU

      • 0 Comments
    • Pushkar Kumar

      Bachelor of Science (BSCM) | IGNOU

      • 0 Comments
    • Pushkar Kumar

      Bachelor of Arts(Economics) (BAFEC) | IGNOU

      • 0 Comments
    • Pushkar Kumar

      Bachelor of Arts(English) (BAFEG) | IGNOU

      • 0 Comments
    Academic Writing Academic Writing Help BEGS-183 BEGS-183 Solved Assignment Critical Reading Critical Reading Techniques Family & Lineage Generational Conflict Historical Fiction Hybridity & Culture IGNOU Solved Assignments IGNOU Study Guides IGNOU Writing and Study Skills Loss & Displacement Magical Realism Narrative Experimentation Nationalism & Memory Partition Trauma Postcolonial Identity Research Methods Research Skills Study Skills Writing Skills

    Users

    Arindom Roy

    Arindom Roy

    • 102 Questions
    • 104 Answers
    Manish Kumar

    Manish Kumar

    • 49 Questions
    • 48 Answers
    Pushkar Kumar

    Pushkar Kumar

    • 57 Questions
    • 56 Answers
    Gaurav

    Gaurav

    • 535 Questions
    • 534 Answers
    Bhulu Aich

    Bhulu Aich

    • 2 Questions
    • 0 Answers
    Exclusive Author
    Ramakant Sharma

    Ramakant Sharma

    • 8k Questions
    • 7k Answers
    Ink Innovator
    Himanshu Kulshreshtha

    Himanshu Kulshreshtha

    • 10k Questions
    • 11k Answers
    Elite Author
    N.K. Sharma

    N.K. Sharma

    • 930 Questions
    • 2 Answers

    Explore

    • Home
    • Polls
    • Add group
    • Buy Points
    • Questions
    • Pending questions
    • Notifications
      • sonali10 has voted up your question.September 24, 2024 at 2:47 pm
      • Abstract Classes has answered your question.September 20, 2024 at 2:13 pm
      • The administrator approved your question.September 20, 2024 at 2:11 pm
      • banu has voted up your question.August 20, 2024 at 3:29 pm
      • banu has voted down your question.August 20, 2024 at 3:29 pm
      • Show all notifications.
    • Messages
    • User Questions
    • Asked Questions
    • Answers
    • Best Answers

    Footer

    Abstract Classes

    Abstract Classes

    Abstract Classes is a dynamic educational platform designed to foster a community of inquiry and learning. As a dedicated social questions & answers engine, we aim to establish a thriving network where students can connect with experts and peers to exchange knowledge, solve problems, and enhance their understanding on a wide range of subjects.

    About Us

    • Meet Our Team
    • Contact Us
    • About Us

    Legal Terms

    • Privacy Policy
    • Community Guidelines
    • Terms of Service
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

    © Abstract Classes. All rights reserved.