How to Select Archaeological Dig Sites
Through archaeology, researchers can travel back through time. An archaeological dig is the processes of carefully digging in the ground and uncovering artifacts left behind by people and civilizations that may no longer exist. Archaeology is helpful in learning about civilizations in which there is very little or no written history that remains.
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Instructions
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Clarify the purpose of your dig. Write a statement of what an archaeological dig will help you accomplish for your research. Digs can be research-based or used to salvage history before a new construction development is built over a potentially artifact-rich historic site.
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Make a list of geographic locations where the people you have studied have lived, congregated and migrated. Scour through books written about the people to get ideas about the patterns of this civilization or similar civilizations.
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Examine what you already know about the people you are interested in studying. Ask yourself where did these people live, work and play.
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Plan a mini-exploration to visit the most promising locations on your list. If they are close enough to where you live and research, drive so that you are sure that while you're traveling any artifacts that you collect will be protected until you return to your research lab.
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Pack a pick axe, brush, a field diary and a spade. Visit the sites and search for traces of potential activity from the people you are studying. Collect and record items that you come across for further study.
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Interview people who live in the area. Ask them if they've picked up strange or old-looking jewelry, arrowheads or any items specific to the culture that you are investigating.
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Look for modifications to the terrain that might indicate ancient activity. For example, if a set of rocks are formed in a circle, it could have once been a location for a religious ceremony. Of course, it could also have been a natural occurrence, so you will have to do some light digging in the area for artifacts.
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Dig with a small shovel to see what you can uncover. The University of Alabama advises its students that, "Another method to search for sites is to dig holes about 30 centimeters in diameter (the width of a shovel, or about one foot) in order to spot artifacts buried in the ground."
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Create a site file. Record relevant information such as the potential measurements of how wide and deep the excavation could go. Draw a map of the area. Take photos.
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Organize your site choices by urgency, ease and potential importance. In the book, "Techniques of Archaeological Excavation," Philip Barker writes, "If we accept that we cannot dig or even satisfactorily observe all the sites that are being destroyed, we can with sufficient notice select well in advance those sites which we would choose to excavate under ideal conditions."
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Consider your financing for the exploration. Colleges and organizations with millions in funding can better afford digs that cover large areas and may take years to uncover. Individuals and organizations with smaller budgets can only afford to work in smaller areas where it will not take more than a few months to complete the dig.
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Apply for additional grants. Research available government grants at the state and federal level. Search the US Department of Health and Human Services website for available federal grants. Send letters to rich philanthropists within your state explaining about your research and your need for funding. Ask other researchers and colleagues for introductions.
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Apply for permits from the countries or state governments. These may be listed as antiquities permits, historic preservation permits or excavation permits. Visit the state or country website for applications or procedures. You may find some permits are difficult to obtain because of government beauracracy which will narrow your choices for you.
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Create a topographical map to identity which sites could potentially produce the most substantial number of artifacts. Review your finances, personnel and goals to determine which site fits within your budget and research goals.
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References
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