Flotation

Definition

Flotation is an archaeological technique used to recover small artifacts and ecofacts from soil samples by suspending them in water. This method allows for the separation of lighter materials, like seeds and small bones, from heavier soil particles, facilitating the analysis of ancient environments and human activities. It plays a crucial role in understanding past subsistence strategies and ecological conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flotation helps archaeologists recover fragile artifacts that would otherwise be lost during excavation.
2. This technique is often performed in conjunction with excavation, where soil samples are taken from different contexts to provide a comprehensive view of site usage.
3. Flotation allows researchers to identify a wide range of plant remains, contributing to our understanding of ancient diets and agricultural practices.
4. The process involves using a flotation tank where soil samples are agitated in water, causing lighter materials to float to the surface while heavier components sink.
5. Flotation can reveal information about past climate conditions and human-environment interactions by analyzing the types of ecofacts recovered.

Review Questions

• How does flotation contribute to the recovery of small artifacts and ecofacts from archaeological sites?
  • Flotation contributes to artifact recovery by using water to separate lighter materials, such as seeds and small bones, from heavier soil particles. When soil samples are agitated in water, lighter items float to the surface, allowing archaeologists to collect them easily without damaging these fragile artifacts. This process enhances our understanding of past human activities and environmental conditions by preserving valuable evidence that might otherwise be lost during excavation.
• Discuss the importance of flotation in understanding ancient diets and subsistence strategies.
  • Flotation is vital for understanding ancient diets because it allows researchers to recover various plant remains and ecofacts that indicate what people consumed. By analyzing these finds, archaeologists can identify dietary patterns, agricultural practices, and even trade relationships. This method provides a clearer picture of how ancient populations interacted with their environment and adapted their subsistence strategies over time.
• Evaluate the impact of flotation on the broader field of archaeology and how it has changed research methodologies.
  • Flotation has significantly impacted archaeology by enhancing the recovery of ecofacts and small artifacts that contribute to understanding past human behaviors and environments. Its incorporation into excavation practices has led to a more holistic approach in research methodologies, promoting interdisciplinary studies such as archaeobotany and paleoecology. This shift has allowed for richer interpretations of archaeological data, emphasizing the importance of environmental context in shaping human history.

Related terms

eco-facts: Natural remains from archaeological sites that provide information about the environment, such as seeds, pollen, and animal bones.

sediment analysis: The study of soil layers and composition to gather insights about past human behavior and environmental changes.

archaeobotany: The analysis of plant remains from archaeological sites to understand ancient diets, agriculture, and interactions with the environment.