Flotation

Definition

Flotation is a method used in archaeology to recover small artifacts, plant remains, and other organic materials from sediment. This technique involves submerging excavated soil in water, allowing lighter materials to rise to the surface while heavier sediments sink. Flotation is crucial for gathering evidence of ancient diets, environmental conditions, and human activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flotation allows archaeologists to recover small artifacts that might be missed during traditional excavation methods.
2. The technique is particularly effective for retrieving carbonized plant remains, which can provide insights into ancient agricultural practices.
3. Flotation can also help in identifying changes in environmental conditions over time based on the types of plant remains recovered.
4. This method often requires a water source on-site or portable flotation equipment, making logistics an important consideration during excavation.
5. Artifacts recovered through flotation can enhance our understanding of diet, trade, and cultural practices in ancient societies.

Review Questions

• How does flotation complement traditional excavation methods in archaeology?
  • Flotation complements traditional excavation methods by enabling the recovery of small artifacts and ecofacts that might otherwise be overlooked. While traditional excavation focuses on larger items and layers of sediment, flotation specifically targets lighter materials that rise to the surface when sediment is submerged in water. This dual approach enriches the archaeological record by providing a more comprehensive understanding of ancient human activities and environmental interactions.
• Discuss the role of flotation in understanding ancient diets and environmental conditions in archaeological sites.
  • Flotation plays a crucial role in uncovering evidence of ancient diets and environmental conditions by recovering carbonized plant remains and other organic materials. The analysis of these finds can reveal what crops were cultivated, how they were processed, and dietary preferences of past populations. Additionally, by examining changes in plant remains over time, archaeologists can infer shifts in climate and land use practices that may have influenced human settlement patterns.
• Evaluate the significance of flotation techniques in modern archaeological practices and their impact on historical interpretations.
  • The significance of flotation techniques in modern archaeology lies in their ability to recover critical data that informs our understanding of past societies. As archaeologists increasingly recognize the value of small finds, flotation has become essential for reconstructing ancient environments, economies, and social structures. This method's impact on historical interpretations is profound; it has shifted perspectives on issues like subsistence strategies and resource management, thereby enriching our comprehension of human history and adaptation over time.

Related terms

Sediment: Solid material that is transported and deposited by water, wind, or ice, often containing archaeological artifacts and ecofacts.

Ecofacts: Natural objects found at an archaeological site that provide information about the environment and past human behavior, such as seeds or bones.

Screening: A technique where soil is sifted through a mesh to separate artifacts and ecofacts from the sediment, often used in conjunction with flotation.