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and labourers. Recording the artifacts and other features in theexcavations is done by
what Wheeler calls as the three-dimensional measurements. The three measurements
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serve to pinpoint the exact locationof each object found in the trench and help recording
the stratigraphic position.These measurements are recorded in three dimensions
aslongitudinal,horizontal or lateral, downward or depth.
Horizontal excavation: Excavating a broad area in order to expose the remains of a
single point in time.For horizontal or area excavation, two ways ofinvestigation or layout
are followed.
• The grid system in which a series of squares of uniform size is laid out
• Stripping complete area without the aid of square divisions or baulks.
The grid divides the area into a series of exact squares that are parallel tothe site
baseline (or latitude) and to the datum line. This orientation isnecessary because it
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enables the archaeologist to describe accurately anypoint on the site in relation to the
south-north axis. The size of the squareboxes will depend on the depth to be excavated.
Normally, 5-10-meter square will be reasonable. The squares are separated by the
baulks(unexcavated strips of partitions) of uniform width of 50 cm or one
meter,depending on the nature of the soil.
They help the excavator in correlation of stratigraphy from the differentparts of the site.
Ultimately, the baulks have also to be removed if necessary,as they should never allow
covering any structural features. After the grid islaid out, the peg marks are done
accurately. They can be conveniently namedby means of letters or on direction and by
numbers in the order. This wouldenable to designate and mark the square individually
as A1, A2, A3, A4 etc.or B1, B2, B3, B4, and so on. The peg at the junction of four squares
willhave four different names for it’s for faces (A1, A2, B1, B2).
Ethno-archaeological Method: Ethnoarchaeology is the ethnographic study of
peoples for archaeological reasons, usually through the study of the material remains of
a society (see David & Kramer 2001). Ethnoarchaeology aids archaeologists in
reconstructing ancient lifeways by studying the material and non-material traditions of
modern societies.In this method examples from present day are compared with pre-
historicfindings to establish the function, use and perhaps thought-process behindthe
making of similar artifacts. For example, the material culture of thepresent hunter-
gatherer communities may throw light on the use and functionof artifacts of earlier
periods. It may farther be used to understand thelivelihood pattern and social and
spiritual aspects of prehistoric men.
Conservation and Preservation Method: Archaeological conservation is a
profession devoted to the preservation of the archaeological record including large-scale
features such as sites, structures, and landscapes, as well as artifacts. Archaeological
conservation is guided by ethical principles that derive from the understanding that
these materials are "primary resources for understanding and interpreting the past."
Archaeological remains are found throughout the world in areas of past and current
human habitation. Archaeological explorations uncover artifacts found in wide-ranging
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