Shovel test pits

Definition

Shovel test pits are small, systematically excavated holes used in archaeological surveys to locate and assess the potential for significant artifacts and features in a given area. They help archaeologists gather preliminary data about the subsurface conditions, assess site integrity, and make decisions about further excavation. This method is crucial for understanding the distribution of artifacts and determining where more intensive archaeological work should be conducted.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shovel test pits are typically 30 cm x 30 cm or larger, and excavated to a depth of at least 30 cm, allowing archaeologists to assess various soil layers.
2. They are often spaced at regular intervals across a survey area to provide a representative sample of the site's archaeological potential.
3. The data collected from shovel test pits can inform decisions about the need for further excavation and help prioritize areas of interest within a site.
4. Artifacts recovered from shovel test pits can indicate past human activity, such as settlement patterns or resource usage in that area.
5. Shovel testing is a non-invasive method that helps minimize disruption to the site while still providing valuable information about its archaeological context.

Review Questions

• How do shovel test pits contribute to the overall process of archaeological surveying?
  • Shovel test pits play a vital role in archaeological surveying by allowing researchers to gather initial data about the subsurface conditions of a site. By excavating small holes at regular intervals, archaeologists can identify the presence of artifacts and assess the site's potential for significant archaeological findings. This information helps them make informed decisions about whether to conduct more extensive excavation in certain areas based on the results from these initial tests.
• Discuss the advantages and limitations of using shovel test pits as a method for site assessment in archaeology.
  • Using shovel test pits has several advantages, including their ability to provide preliminary data with minimal disruption to the landscape. They help archaeologists quickly identify areas with high artifact density and assess site integrity without extensive excavation. However, there are limitations; for instance, they may miss smaller artifacts or features that could be buried deeper or be unevenly distributed across the site. Additionally, the results from shovel testing are only indicative and do not guarantee that significant finds will occur in adjacent areas.
• Evaluate how shovel test pits can influence the decision-making process during an archaeological investigation, especially regarding resource allocation.
  • Shovel test pits significantly influence decision-making during archaeological investigations by providing critical data on where artifacts are located and how dense they are within a site. This allows archaeologists to prioritize areas for more extensive excavation based on the findings from these preliminary tests. When resources such as time, funding, and personnel are limited, shovel testing helps maximize efficiency by directing efforts toward the most promising areas while minimizing unnecessary excavation in less significant parts of the site. The insights gained from this method enable better planning and more effective use of archaeological resources overall.

Related terms

Archaeological survey: A systematic examination of a landscape to identify and record archaeological sites and artifacts.

Site assessment: The process of evaluating an archaeological site to determine its significance, potential for yielding artifacts, and need for further investigation.

Excavation:

The systematic digging and recording of an archaeological site to uncover artifacts, features, and other evidence of past human activity.