Excavation methods in ancient China have evolved from early exploratory digs to systematic, scientific approaches. These techniques impact data collection and site interpretation, shaping our understanding of China's past.
Archaeologists use various methods like vertical and horizontal excavation, , , and . Each approach serves different purposes, from understanding site chronology to exploring spatial organization and layout.
Types of excavation methods
Excavation methods in archaeology vary based on site characteristics, research questions, and available resources
The choice of excavation method impacts the types of data collected and the interpretations that can be made about the site and its inhabitants
In ancient China, excavation methods have evolved over time, from early exploratory digs to more systematic and scientific approaches
Vertical vs horizontal excavation
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Vertical excavation involves digging downward through stratigraphic layers to understand the chronological sequence of a site
Allows for the creation of a cross-section view of the site's stratigraphy
Useful for understanding changes in site use and occupation over time
Horizontal excavation focuses on exposing and investigating a single stratigraphic layer or cultural horizon
Provides a broader spatial understanding of a specific time period
Helps in understanding the layout and organization of a site at a given point in history
A combination of vertical and horizontal excavation is often used to gain a comprehensive understanding of a site (Anyang)
Trenches and test pits
Trenches are long, narrow excavation units that provide a cross-section view of a site's stratigraphy
Useful for identifying the presence and extent of cultural layers and features
Can be strategically placed to investigate specific areas of interest or to establish the boundaries of a site
Test pits are small, square, or rectangular excavation units used for exploratory purposes
Help determine the presence, depth, and nature of cultural deposits
Provide a preliminary understanding of a site's stratigraphy and chronology
Trenches and test pits are often used in the initial stages of an excavation to guide further investigation (Erlitou site)
Open area excavation
Open area excavation involves exposing large, contiguous areas of a site to understand its spatial organization and layout
Allows for the identification and investigation of structures, activity areas, and other features
Provides a more comprehensive understanding of the relationships between different site components
Open area excavation is often used in later stages of an excavation, after the initial testing and of the site
Requires careful planning and coordination to ensure proper documentation and recording of the exposed areas (Zhengzhou Shang City)
Underwater excavation techniques
are used to investigate submerged archaeological sites, such as ancient ports, shipwrecks, and settlements
Requires specialized equipment and training to deal with the challenges of working in an aquatic environment
Techniques include dredging, air lifting, and hand excavation by divers
methods, such as side-scan sonar and sub-bottom profiling, are often used to locate and map underwater sites
Underwater excavations have been conducted in ancient Chinese contexts, such as the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck
Stratigraphy and context
Stratigraphy refers to the layering of soil and cultural deposits at an archaeological site over time
Understanding stratigraphy is crucial for establishing the relative chronology of a site and interpreting its formation processes
In ancient China, the study of stratigraphy has been essential in reconstructing the development of early states and urban centers
Law of superposition
The law of superposition states that, in an undisturbed stratigraphic sequence, younger layers are deposited on top of older layers
Provides a relative chronological framework for the site
Allows archaeologists to establish the order in which events and activities occurred
The law of superposition is a fundamental principle in archaeological excavation and interpretation
Importance of stratigraphy
Stratigraphy helps archaeologists understand the formation processes of a site and how it changed over time
Identifies distinct phases of occupation, abandonment, and reuse
Reveals patterns of cultural change and continuity
Stratigraphic relationships between features, artifacts, and ecofacts provide for interpreting the site
Allows for the reconstruction of past human activities and behaviors
Helps in understanding the function and significance of different site components
Recording stratigraphic layers
Accurate recording of stratigraphic layers is essential for preserving the contextual information of a site
Involves describing the color, texture, composition, and thickness of each layer
Includes noting the presence of cultural materials, features, and disturbances within each layer
Stratigraphic layers are typically recorded using standardized forms, photographs, and drawings
Ensures consistency and comparability of data across the site and between different excavations
In ancient China, the use of rammed earth construction has created distinct stratigraphic signatures that can be used to identify different phases of occupation (Erlitou site)
Matrix analysis of stratigraphy
Matrix analysis is a method for visually representing and analyzing the stratigraphic relationships between layers and features at a site
Involves creating a diagram that shows the relative positions and connections between stratigraphic units
Helps in identifying contemporaneous layers, intrusions, and disturbances
Matrix analysis is particularly useful for complex urban sites with multiple phases of occupation and overlapping features
The use of matrix analysis has been applied to the study of ancient Chinese cities, such as the Zhengzhou Shang City, to understand their development and layout
Excavation tools and equipment
Excavation tools and equipment are essential for the proper and efficient investigation of archaeological sites
The selection of tools and equipment depends on the specific needs of the excavation, site conditions, and research objectives
In ancient China, the development of specialized tools and techniques has paralleled the increasing complexity and scale of archaeological investigations
Hand tools for excavation
Hand tools are the most basic and versatile equipment used in archaeological excavation
Includes trowels, shovels, picks, brushes, and hand scoops
Used for carefully removing soil, exposing features and artifacts, and cleaning surfaces
Trowels are the primary tool for fine excavation work
Come in various shapes and sizes to suit different tasks and preferences
Used for scraping, cutting, and shaping soil and sediment
Brushes are used for delicate cleaning and exposing of fragile artifacts and features (oracle bones)
Surveying and mapping tools
Surveying and mapping tools are used to record the spatial relationships and dimensions of a site and its components
Includes total stations, GPS receivers, and laser scanners
Used for establishing a , recording the locations of features and artifacts, and creating detailed site maps
Total stations are electronic surveying instruments that measure distances and angles
Allow for precise positioning and mapping of site features and excavation units
Enable the creation of three-dimensional models of the site and its stratigraphy
GPS receivers are used for recording the geographic coordinates of a site and its features
Particularly useful for large-scale surveys and regional studies
Help in integrating archaeological data with other spatial datasets (remote sensing imagery)
Photography and documentation equipment
Photography and documentation equipment are used to create a visual record of the excavation process and its findings
Includes digital cameras, video cameras, and scales for reference
Used for documenting site conditions, features, artifacts, and excavation progress
Digital cameras are essential for capturing high-resolution images of the site and its components
Allow for the creation of photographic archives and the sharing of data with other researchers
Enable the use of photogrammetry for creating 3D models of the site and artifacts
Scales are used in photographs to provide a reference for size and dimensions
Ensures that the visual record is accurate and comparable across different contexts
In ancient China, the use of photography has been instrumental in documenting and preserving the rich archaeological heritage of the region (terracotta warriors)
Specialized tools for specific contexts
Specialized tools are used for excavating and sampling in specific contexts or environments
Includes water pumps, dredges, and coring devices for underwater and waterlogged sites
Also includes specialized tools for excavating in frozen, arid, or high-altitude environments
Water pumps and dredges are used for removing water and sediment from submerged sites
Allow for the exposure and investigation of underwater features and artifacts
Enable the sampling of sediments for paleoenvironmental and geoarchaeological analyses
Coring devices are used for extracting vertical samples of soil and sediment
Provide a minimally invasive method for studying site stratigraphy and formation processes
Allow for the collection of samples for specialized analyses (pollen, phytoliths)
Excavation process and procedures
The excavation process involves a systematic and carefully planned approach to investigating an archaeological site
Excavation procedures are designed to maximize the recovery of data while minimizing the disturbance to the site and its contents
In ancient China, the excavation process has evolved to incorporate new technologies and methodologies, while still maintaining a focus on context and stratigraphy
Site preparation and planning
Site preparation involves the initial steps taken to ready a site for excavation
Includes clearing vegetation, establishing site boundaries, and setting up infrastructure (shelters, storage areas)
Also involves the creation of a site grid and the development of an excavation plan
Planning the excavation is crucial for ensuring that the research objectives are met and that the site is investigated efficiently
Involves determining the excavation strategy, selecting the appropriate methods and tools, and allocating resources
Requires consultation with various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and research partners
Establishing a grid system
A grid system is used to provide a spatial framework for the excavation and recording of the site
Involves dividing the site into regular units (squares or rectangles) using a Cartesian coordinate system
Allows for the precise recording of the locations of features, artifacts, and samples
The size and orientation of the grid units depend on the scale and nature of the site and the research questions being addressed
Smaller units (1x1 m) are used for detailed excavation of complex features and dense artifact concentrations
Larger units (5x5 m or 10x10 m) are used for broader-scale investigations and sampling
The grid system is established using surveying equipment (total station, GPS) and marked on the ground using stakes and string lines
Removing and recording soil layers
Soil layers are removed systematically, following the natural or cultural stratigraphy of the site
Involves carefully scraping or shoveling the soil in thin, controlled increments
Each layer is assigned a unique context number and described in terms of its color, texture, composition, and inclusions
The removal of soil layers is accompanied by detailed recording and documentation
Includes photographing and drawing the exposed surfaces and profiles
Also involves collecting samples for specialized analyses (, soil chemistry)
In ancient China, the use of rammed earth construction has created distinct soil layers that can be easily identified and recorded during excavation (Zhengzhou Shang City)
Collecting and labeling artifacts
Artifacts are carefully collected and labeled as they are exposed during the excavation process
Involves assigning each artifact a unique identification number and recording its precise location within the site grid
Also involves describing the artifact in terms of its material, form, dimensions, and any visible features or decorations
Artifacts are typically bagged and tagged with their context and identification numbers
Ensures that the provenance of the artifact is maintained throughout the post-excavation process
Allows for the cross-referencing of artifacts with the excavation records and documentation
In ancient China, the collection and labeling of artifacts has been crucial for understanding the material culture and technology of early states and civilizations (bronze vessels, jade artifacts)
Documenting features and structures
Features and structures are carefully documented as they are exposed during the excavation process
Involves describing the shape, size, composition, and stratigraphic relationships of each feature or structure
Also involves photographing and drawing the exposed surfaces and profiles
The documentation of features and structures is essential for understanding the spatial organization and function of the site
Allows for the identification of activity areas, living spaces, and public monuments
Provides insights into the social, economic, and political organization of ancient societies
In ancient China, the documentation of features and structures has been instrumental in reconstructing the layout and development of early cities and ceremonial centers (Erlitou, Yinxu)
Sampling strategies in excavation
Sampling strategies are used to select a representative subset of a site for detailed investigation and analysis
The choice of sampling strategy depends on the research questions, site characteristics, and available resources
In ancient China, the use of sampling strategies has been essential for investigating large and complex sites, such as early cities and regional settlement systems
Judgmental vs probabilistic sampling
involves the selective investigation of areas or features based on the archaeologist's expertise and research interests
Allows for the targeted investigation of specific contexts or research questions
Useful for exploring areas with high potential for yielding significant data or for testing specific hypotheses
involves the random or systematic selection of areas or features for investigation
Allows for the unbiased and representative sampling of the site
Useful for estimating the overall characteristics and variability of the site and for making statistical inferences about past human activities and behaviors
In practice, a combination of judgmental and probabilistic sampling is often used to balance the need for targeted investigation with the goal of representativeness
Systematic sampling methods
Systematic sampling involves the selection of areas or features at regular intervals across the site
Includes transect sampling, where a series of evenly spaced lines are used to guide the selection of sampling units
Also includes grid sampling, where a regular grid is superimposed on the site and a fixed percentage of the grid units are selected for investigation
Systematic sampling is useful for investigating large and homogeneous sites, where the spatial distribution of features and artifacts is relatively uniform
Allows for the efficient and representative sampling of the site
Provides a basis for extrapolating the characteristics of the sampled areas to the site as a whole
In ancient China, systematic sampling has been used to investigate large-scale settlement patterns and to identify areas for more detailed excavation (regional survey in the Yiluo River Valley)
Flotation and soil sampling
Flotation is a method for recovering small and fragile plant and animal remains from soil samples
Involves immersing the soil in water and agitating it to separate the light fraction (seeds, charcoal) from the heavy fraction (pottery, stone)
The light fraction is then collected using fine mesh sieves and analyzed for botanical and faunal remains
involves the collection of small amounts of soil from different contexts for specialized analyses
Includes the collection of samples for phytolith analysis, which can provide evidence of past plant use and environmental conditions
Also includes the collection of samples for geochemical analysis, which can provide insights into past human activities and site formation processes
In ancient China, flotation and soil sampling have been used to investigate the agricultural practices and diet of early societies (Yangshao culture)
Sampling for specialized analyses
Sampling for specialized analyses involves the targeted collection of materials for specific analytical techniques
Includes the collection of charcoal or bone samples for radiocarbon dating
Also includes the collection of ceramic or stone samples for sourcing and compositional analysis
Sampling for specialized analyses is guided by the research questions and the available analytical facilities
Requires careful consideration of the context and preservation of the sampled materials
Often involves collaboration with specialists in different fields (archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, geoarchaeology)
In ancient China, sampling for specialized analyses has been used to investigate the production and exchange of prestige goods (bronze, jade) and to reconstruct past environments and climates (speleothems)
Recording and documentation methods
Recording and documentation are essential components of the excavation process, ensuring that the data and observations are preserved for future analysis and interpretation
The choice of recording and documentation methods depends on the research questions, site characteristics, and available technologies
In ancient China, the development of standardized recording and documentation methods has been crucial for the comparative analysis of sites and regions
Field notes and excavation forms
Field notes are the primary means of recording observations, measurements, and interpretations during the excavation process
Includes written descriptions of the soil layers, features, and artifacts encountered
Also includes sketches and diagrams of the excavated areas and profiles
Excavation forms are standardized documents used to record specific types of data
Includes context sheets, which record the characteristics and relationships of each stratigraphic unit
Also includes artifact and sample logs, which record the identification, location, and description of each collected item
Field notes and excavation forms are typically handwritten on weatherproof paper and later transcribed into digital formats
Ensures that the data are secure and accessible for long-term preservation and analysis
Allows for the integration of the excavation records with other digital datasets (photographs, maps)
Photographs and drawings
Photographs are used to create a visual record of the excavation process and its findings
Includes overview shots of the site and excavation areas
Also includes close-up shots of features, artifacts, and stratigraphic profiles
Drawings are used to create scaled and detailed representations of the excavated areas and features
Includes plan views, which show the horizontal relationships between features and artifacts
Also includes section drawings, which show the vertical relationships between stratigraphic layers and features
Photographs and drawings are typically annotated with scales, north arrows, and context numbers
Ensures that the visual record is accurate and informative
Allows for the integration of the visual data with the written records and spatial data
In ancient China, the use of photographs and drawings has been essential for documenting the complex stratigraphy and architecture of early cities and ceremonial centers (Erl