Field Methods in Archaeology

by Hester, Thomas R.; Shafer, Harry J.; Feder, Kenneth L.

• ISBN13: 9781559347990
• ISBN10: 1559347996
• Edition: 7th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-01-31
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages

Summary

This highly regarded comprehensive guide provides an up-to-date overview of the variety of methods used in field archaeology, from research design to excavation strategies to conservation of artifacts and record-keeping. The contributors to the volume bring a wealth of expertise on diverse subjects and offer practical advice on their areas of special interest.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction, by Thomas R. Hester

Contemporary Issues

The Burgeoning Literature

Archaeology and Archaeologists

Guide to Further Reading

2. Goals of Archaeological Investigation, by Harry J. Shafer

Kinds of Archaeology

Anthropological Archaeology: A Chronology of Change

Goals of Archaeology Today

Guide to Further Reading

3. Research Design and Sampling Techniques, by Harry J. Shafer

Research Design

Sampling Methods

Sampling Realities

Guide to Further Reading

4. Site Survey, by Kenneth L. Feder

Goals of Site Survey

Survey Phases

Basic Considerations in Site Survey

Factors in Survey Design

Background Research

Field Methods in Site Survey

Practical Considerations

Guide to Further Reading

5. Methods of Excavation, by Thomas R. Hester

Tools and Equipment for Field Archaeology

Approaches to Excavation

Site Excavation Techniques

Excavation Methods

Screening Excavated Deposits

Excavating a “Typical” Unit

Excavating Special Site Types

Backdirt and Backfilling

Some Hazards in Fieldwork

Guide to Further Reading

6. Data Preservation: Recording and Collecting, by Kenneth L. Feder

Preserving Context Through Record Keeping

Associating Records with Objects

Computerized Record Keeping

Collection and Protection of Certain Artifacts

Collection and Analysis of Soil Samples

Rock Art Recording

Guide to Further Reading

7. The Handling and Conservation of Artifacts in the Field, by Thomas R. Hester

General Field Procedures

Methods to Use and Avoid

Field Techniques for Specific Artifact Types

Curation Facilities

Guide to Further Reading

8. Archaeological Field Photography, by Harry J. Shafer

Objectives of Field Photography

Some Basic Elements of Photography

Camera Equipment

Accessory Equipment

Some Suggestions for Field Photography

Field Care of Equipment

Subject Matter

Negative Storage

Field Photography: A Recap

Guide to Further Reading

9. Archaeological Mapping, Site Grids, and Surveying, by L. Kyle Napton, with Elizabeth Anne Greathouse

Imaging Techniques

General Map Types

USGS Topographic Quadrangles

Land Information Systems (LIS)

Archaeological Site Record Maps

Site Datum Point and Site Grid

The Global Positioning System (GPS) and Mapping

Archaeological Site Plan Maps

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Computers and Electronics in Surveying and Mapping

Map Production

Parting Thoughts

Guide to Further Reading

10. Stratigraphy, by R. E. W. Adams and Fred Valdez, Jr.

Definition

Principles

Goals

Techniques of Excavation, Labeling, and Recording

Special Situations

The Problem of Sampling

Special Aids

Guide to Further Reading

11. Excavation and Analysis of Human Remains, by Joseph F. Powell, D. Gentry Steele, and Michael B. Collins

Why Excavate Human Remains?

Research with Skeletal Populations

Skeletal Biology

Types of Interments

Excavating Burials

Osteological Analysis

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Guide to Further Reading

12. Excavation and Recovery of Botanical Materials from Archaeological Sites, by Richard G. Holloway

Material Types

Processing Methods

Guide to Further Reading

13. Basic Approaches in Archaeological Faunal Analysis, by Barry W. Baker, Brian S. Shaffer, and D. Gentry Steele

Faunal Assemblage Composition

Common Research Topics

Data Collection

Taphonomy and Factors Affecting Faunal Assemblage Composition

Reconstructing Human Diet and Subsistence

Estimating Seasonality

Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction

Ethical Considerations

Guide to Further Reading

14. Chronological Methods, by Thomas R. Hester

Methods for Absolute (Chronometric) Chronology

Methods for Relative Chronology

Concluding Observations

Guide to Further Reading

Appendix A: Tables of Equivalents and Conversion Factors

Appendix B: Sources of Supplies and Services

References

Index