Flotation

Definition

Flotation is an archaeological method used to recover small artifacts, ecofacts, and other materials from soil samples through a process that involves separating lighter materials from heavier ones using water. This technique allows archaeologists to efficiently collect valuable information about past human activities, including diet and environment, by preserving fragile remains that would otherwise be lost during traditional excavation methods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flotation is particularly useful for recovering small items like seeds, charred wood, and bone fragments that are essential for understanding past diets and agricultural practices.
2. The flotation process typically involves submerging soil samples in water, allowing lighter materials to float to the surface while heavier sediments sink.
3. This technique has been instrumental in revealing evidence of ancient food sources and environmental conditions that inform archaeologists about how people adapted to their surroundings.
4. Flotation can be performed using hand-operated or mechanized devices, making it accessible for different field conditions and project scales.
5. The recovered materials from flotation are often analyzed through various methods, including carbon dating and microscopic examination, to gain deeper insights into the past.

Review Questions

• How does flotation enhance the recovery of archaeological data compared to traditional excavation techniques?
  • Flotation enhances archaeological data recovery by specifically targeting small artifacts and ecofacts that may be overlooked or damaged during traditional excavation. By utilizing water to separate lighter materials from heavier soil components, flotation preserves fragile items such as seeds and bones. This method allows archaeologists to gather detailed information about ancient diets and environmental conditions, offering a more comprehensive understanding of past human behavior.
• Discuss the role of ecofacts recovered through flotation in reconstructing ancient diets and environments.
  • Ecofacts recovered through flotation, such as seeds, animal bones, and charcoal, play a crucial role in reconstructing ancient diets and environments. These materials provide direct evidence of what people consumed and how they interacted with their surroundings. Analyzing these ecofacts can reveal information about agricultural practices, seasonal variations in food availability, and the ecological changes over time. This data allows archaeologists to create a clearer picture of how ancient populations adapted to their environments.
• Evaluate the impact of flotation techniques on our understanding of prehistoric subsistence strategies and environmental interactions.
  • Flotation techniques have significantly impacted our understanding of prehistoric subsistence strategies by uncovering a wealth of data regarding diet and resource use. The ability to recover small artifacts and ecofacts has revealed complex patterns of agricultural practices, foraging behaviors, and environmental adaptations among ancient peoples. By analyzing the materials collected through flotation, researchers can evaluate how changes in climate and landscape influenced human interactions with their environment. This knowledge contributes to a deeper comprehension of cultural evolution and resilience in response to shifting ecological conditions.

Related terms

Ecofacts: Natural remains found in archaeological contexts, such as seeds, bones, and pollen, that provide insights into past environments and human interactions with nature.

Sediment Analysis: The study of soil layers and their composition to understand the geological and environmental history of a site.

Artifact: Any object made or modified by humans that is found during an archaeological investigation, providing insight into cultural practices and technologies.