Shovel test pits

Definition

Shovel test pits are small, systematic excavations used in archaeology to assess the presence and distribution of archaeological materials in a specific area. They help archaeologists gather preliminary data about a site before more extensive excavation occurs, allowing for a better understanding of the site's potential significance and informing future research strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shovel test pits are typically dug at regular intervals across a survey area to systematically sample the soil for artifacts and features.
2. The depth and size of shovel test pits can vary, but they are generally around 1x1 meter or smaller and dug to a depth where no further artifacts are found.
3. Data collected from shovel test pits can indicate the density of archaeological materials, helping archaeologists make decisions about where to conduct more intensive excavations.
4. Shovel testing is a key method for identifying potential archaeological sites in areas that may not have been previously recorded or studied.
5. The practice is particularly useful in areas with disturbed soils, as it allows for the recovery of artifacts that may not be visible on the surface.

Review Questions

• How do shovel test pits contribute to the initial assessment of an archaeological site?
  • Shovel test pits play a crucial role in the initial assessment of an archaeological site by allowing archaeologists to systematically sample the soil for artifacts and features. By digging these small excavations at regular intervals, researchers can gather preliminary data about the distribution and density of archaeological materials. This information helps determine the site's significance and guides decisions about further excavation methods or preservation strategies.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using shovel test pits in archaeological surveys.
  • Using shovel test pits offers several advantages, such as providing a cost-effective method for preliminary site assessment and allowing for systematic sampling of the landscape. They can help identify potential archaeological deposits without extensive excavation. However, there are disadvantages as well; they may miss smaller or deeper artifacts that could be significant, and there is always a risk of damaging sensitive contexts due to indiscriminate digging. Balancing these factors is essential when planning an archaeological survey.
• Evaluate the role of shovel test pits in relation to other excavation techniques, considering their effectiveness in different contexts.
  • Shovel test pits serve as an essential tool in archaeological methodology, complementing other excavation techniques like open-area excavation or stratigraphic digging. Their effectiveness lies in their ability to provide quick insights into site potential without extensive disturbance. In contexts where sites are previously undocumented or suspected to be disturbed, shovel test pits can quickly reveal the presence or absence of cultural materials. However, for sites with complex stratigraphy or where detailed context is crucial, more intensive excavation methods may be necessary. Thus, while shovel test pits are invaluable for initial assessments, they are best used in conjunction with other techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of an archaeological site.

Related terms

Site Survey: A methodical approach to locating and documenting archaeological sites through systematic examination of the landscape.

Context: The relationship and association of artifacts and features within their surroundings, which helps to understand their historical significance.

Stratigraphy: The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification) used to interpret the sequence of events in the history of an archaeological site.