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🦴intro to archaeology review

key term - Shovel Testing

Citation:

Definition

Shovel testing is a preliminary archaeological survey method that involves digging small, systematic holes, or test pits, at regular intervals across a site to assess its potential for containing artifacts or features. This method is often used to gather initial information about the archaeological potential of an area before deciding on more extensive excavation strategies. By uncovering stratigraphy and cultural material, shovel testing helps archaeologists make informed decisions about further investigation and excavation techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Shovel tests are typically 30 cm by 30 cm or larger, allowing archaeologists to sample a broad area without extensive disturbance.
  2. The intervals between shovel tests can vary based on the project's goals but are often set between 10 to 20 meters apart in open areas.
  3. This method helps determine whether a site is worth further investigation based on the density and type of artifacts recovered.
  4. Soil stratigraphy observed during shovel testing can provide insights into the site's historical use and environmental conditions.
  5. Shovel testing can help identify boundaries of archaeological sites, leading to more efficient planning for future excavation efforts.

Review Questions

  • How does shovel testing inform decisions about future excavation methods?
    • Shovel testing provides crucial preliminary data by revealing the presence or absence of artifacts within a site. If significant materials are found, archaeologists may opt for more intensive excavation methods such as test excavations. Conversely, if few or no artifacts are uncovered, they may decide that the site holds limited archaeological value and avoid extensive excavation, thereby saving time and resources.
  • What are some advantages and disadvantages of using shovel testing compared to full excavation?
    • One advantage of shovel testing is that it allows for a quick assessment of a site's potential without disturbing large areas. This method is cost-effective and helps prioritize sites for further study. However, a disadvantage is that it may miss artifacts located outside the test pits or fail to reveal the full context of the findings, which could be uncovered through more detailed excavation techniques.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of shovel testing in contributing to archaeological understanding versus its limitations in revealing complex site stratigraphy.
    • Shovel testing is effective in providing an initial overview of a site's archaeological potential, helping archaeologists identify areas that warrant further investigation. However, it has limitations in terms of revealing complex stratigraphic contexts since it focuses on small, isolated pits rather than continuous exposure of layers. This can lead to gaps in understanding how different cultural deposits relate to each other within the site's overall history, necessitating follow-up excavations for comprehensive analysis.