Flotation

Definition

Flotation is a process used in archaeology to recover small artifacts, ecofacts, and other materials from soil samples by separating lighter particles from heavier ones in water. This method allows archaeologists to collect tiny items like seeds, bone fragments, and small tools that might otherwise be missed during excavation. It plays a crucial role in analyzing past human behavior and environmental conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flotation typically involves placing a soil sample in water, allowing lighter materials to float while heavier components sink.
2. The process can reveal information about diet, agriculture, and environmental conditions of past societies through the analysis of the collected ecofacts.
3. Flotation can be performed on-site during excavations or in a laboratory setting after samples have been collected.
4. Different flotation techniques exist, including manual flotation and machine-assisted flotation, which can increase efficiency and recovery rates.
5. Artifacts recovered through flotation are essential for understanding daily life in historical contexts, contributing to broader narratives in historical archaeology.

Review Questions

• How does flotation complement traditional excavation methods in historical archaeology?
  • Flotation enhances traditional excavation methods by allowing archaeologists to recover smaller artifacts and ecofacts that might not be found through standard excavation techniques. While excavations focus on larger items and stratigraphy, flotation captures lighter materials like seeds and tiny tools that provide critical insights into daily life and environmental conditions of past societies. By integrating flotation into the excavation process, researchers can build a more comprehensive understanding of the site's history.
• Discuss the implications of using flotation for recovering ecofacts in understanding past human diets.
  • Using flotation to recover ecofacts has significant implications for understanding past human diets. By collecting seeds, bones, and other organic materials that float during the process, archaeologists can analyze what people consumed and how they interacted with their environment. This information can reveal agricultural practices, dietary diversity, and even trade relationships with neighboring communities. Flotation thus provides valuable data that complements the material culture found through excavation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different flotation techniques in relation to site-specific conditions and the types of artifacts being studied.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of flotation techniques involves considering site-specific conditions such as soil composition, moisture levels, and artifact types. For instance, manual flotation may be more effective in sites with delicate organic remains that require careful handling, while machine-assisted methods could be preferred for larger excavations where efficiency is crucial. The choice of technique also depends on the research goals; if focusing on small artifacts or ecofacts critical for dietary analysis, specific methods can optimize recovery rates. Thus, selecting the appropriate flotation technique is essential for maximizing data collection while ensuring artifact preservation.

Related terms

Ecofact: Natural remains that provide information about past environments or human interactions with nature, such as seeds, bones, or pollen.

Sediment: Material, such as soil or sand, that is deposited by water, wind, or ice and can contain artifacts or ecofacts important for archaeological studies.

Screening: A method used during excavation where dirt is sifted through a mesh to find artifacts and ecofacts, often used alongside flotation to maximize recovery.