Archaeology: Basic Field Methods

Edition: 1

Copyright: 2002

Pages: 418

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Ebook

$87.53

ISBN 9781465261731

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Archaeology: Basic Field Methods introduces archaeological field methods and provides a basis for understanding the links between the nature of archaeological evidence, the recognition of that evidence in the field, and the techniques involved in the search for and recovery of archaeological evidence in a variety of settings. 

Outstanding Features:   

  • Provides a basic introduction to sediments, soils, stratigraphy, and geomorphology.  
  • Discusses ethical concerns and codes of professional conduct.  
  • Discusses cultural resource management (CRM) and its impact on the practice of field archaeology.  
  • Contains exercises and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.   

What's the Point? 

Chapter 1
Basic Definitions and Assumptions

Archaeology Defined
Documents and Archaeology
Material Evidence
Context and Its Importance
Archaeological Sites
Ethical Concerns
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 2
The Archaeological Record and the Recognition of Evidence

How the archaeological Record is Formed
Recognizing Archaeological Evidence
Improving Your Skills
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 3
Fieldwork Motivations and Design

Why Do Fieldwork?
Research Design
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 4
Background Research

Cultural and Historical Background
Environmental Data
Land Use History
Landowner and Informant Interviews
Logistical Matters
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 5
Preparing for the Field
Field Kits
Dressing for the Field
Health and Safety Concerns
Field Etiquette
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 6
Maps, Surveying, and Mapmaking

Understanding and Reading Topographic Maps
Instruments
Measuring Distance
Map Scales
Locating Areas
Documenting Site Locations
Systems of Recordation
Establishing Grids and Units
Creating Plan Maps
Determining Elevation and Creating Topographic Maps
Drafting Surveying Data
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 7
An Introduction to Sediments, Soils, Stratigraphy, and Geomorphology

Introduction
Fundamentals of Sediment and Soil
Defining and Interpreting Stratigraphy
Geomorphology
Examining and Recording a Profile
Impact on Field Strategies
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 8
Working On the Surface

Discovering Archaeological Deposits
Field Notes: What To Record and How
What To Collect
Remote Sensing
Learning More About Surface and Above-Ground Archaeological Resources
Integration with Excavation and Subsurface Testing Strategies
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 9
Subsurface Investigations

The Basics
Field Records
Conservation of Materials
Health, Safety, and General Logistical Concerns
Discovering Buried Archaeological Deposits
Expanding Your Perspective About Field Records and Data Collection
Expanding Your Perspective About Health, Safety, and General Logistical Concerns
Further Investigations of Buried Deposits
Expanding Your Perspective About Types of Excavations, Excavation Techniques, and
Provenience Recording Systems
Special Features and Deposits
Expanding Your Perspective About Mapping, Data Collection and Processing
Expanding Your Perspective About On-Site Logistics
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 10
Training and Professional PracticeField Schools and Volunteer Situation
s
Working as a Field Technician
Finding a Job
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Appendix 1
Ethical Principles and Codes of Conduct for Archaeologists  

Appendix 2
Summaries of Significant Federal Historic Preservation Legislation  

Appendix 3
Listing of State Historic Preservation Offices and Important Federal Agencies
for Historic Preservation
  

Appendix 4
Possible Field Ailments: Symptoms and Treatment  

Appendix 5
Examples of Job Descriptions for Archaeological Technicians,
Entry/BA Degree Level Staff
  

Bibliography
Index 

R. MICHAEL STEWART


Archaeology: Basic Field Methods introduces archaeological field methods and provides a basis for understanding the links between the nature of archaeological evidence, the recognition of that evidence in the field, and the techniques involved in the search for and recovery of archaeological evidence in a variety of settings. 

Outstanding Features:   

  • Provides a basic introduction to sediments, soils, stratigraphy, and geomorphology.  
  • Discusses ethical concerns and codes of professional conduct.  
  • Discusses cultural resource management (CRM) and its impact on the practice of field archaeology.  
  • Contains exercises and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.   

What's the Point? 

Chapter 1
Basic Definitions and Assumptions

Archaeology Defined
Documents and Archaeology
Material Evidence
Context and Its Importance
Archaeological Sites
Ethical Concerns
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 2
The Archaeological Record and the Recognition of Evidence

How the archaeological Record is Formed
Recognizing Archaeological Evidence
Improving Your Skills
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 3
Fieldwork Motivations and Design

Why Do Fieldwork?
Research Design
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 4
Background Research

Cultural and Historical Background
Environmental Data
Land Use History
Landowner and Informant Interviews
Logistical Matters
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 5
Preparing for the Field
Field Kits
Dressing for the Field
Health and Safety Concerns
Field Etiquette
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 6
Maps, Surveying, and Mapmaking

Understanding and Reading Topographic Maps
Instruments
Measuring Distance
Map Scales
Locating Areas
Documenting Site Locations
Systems of Recordation
Establishing Grids and Units
Creating Plan Maps
Determining Elevation and Creating Topographic Maps
Drafting Surveying Data
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 7
An Introduction to Sediments, Soils, Stratigraphy, and Geomorphology

Introduction
Fundamentals of Sediment and Soil
Defining and Interpreting Stratigraphy
Geomorphology
Examining and Recording a Profile
Impact on Field Strategies
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 8
Working On the Surface

Discovering Archaeological Deposits
Field Notes: What To Record and How
What To Collect
Remote Sensing
Learning More About Surface and Above-Ground Archaeological Resources
Integration with Excavation and Subsurface Testing Strategies
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 9
Subsurface Investigations

The Basics
Field Records
Conservation of Materials
Health, Safety, and General Logistical Concerns
Discovering Buried Archaeological Deposits
Expanding Your Perspective About Field Records and Data Collection
Expanding Your Perspective About Health, Safety, and General Logistical Concerns
Further Investigations of Buried Deposits
Expanding Your Perspective About Types of Excavations, Excavation Techniques, and
Provenience Recording Systems
Special Features and Deposits
Expanding Your Perspective About Mapping, Data Collection and Processing
Expanding Your Perspective About On-Site Logistics
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 10
Training and Professional PracticeField Schools and Volunteer Situation
s
Working as a Field Technician
Finding a Job
Applying Your Knowledge
Dig Deeper 

Appendix 1
Ethical Principles and Codes of Conduct for Archaeologists  

Appendix 2
Summaries of Significant Federal Historic Preservation Legislation  

Appendix 3
Listing of State Historic Preservation Offices and Important Federal Agencies
for Historic Preservation
  

Appendix 4
Possible Field Ailments: Symptoms and Treatment  

Appendix 5
Examples of Job Descriptions for Archaeological Technicians,
Entry/BA Degree Level Staff
  

Bibliography
Index 

R. MICHAEL STEWART