The Tools of an Archaeologist

An archaeologist's equipment consist of a trowel, paintbrush, dustpan, tape measure, garden clippers, stadia rod, level, bucket, and recording instruments. By carefully scraping away the deposits of small, precisely measured areas (1m x 1m excavating units), the field excavator reveals artifacts, bones, shells, and rocks as they lie. Artifacts and bones that are missed by scraping are found by sifting the remaining dirt through a 1/4" screen. As each level is completed (every 5cm), the field excavator records and draws the exact location where each object was discovered. Later, interpretation of the site will be partially based on the excavators field notes.

Glossary terms: Stadia Rod.