Archaeological Glossary
A | B | C
| D | E |
F | G | H |
I | J | K
| L | M |
N | O | P |
Q | R | S
| T | U |
V | W | X |
Y | Z
A
Articulation =
B
C
D
Diagnostic = pottery fragment that may hint to
the vessel’s style and date; usually a rim, handle, or
base
E
Elevations = Levels taken with a transit that are
in relation to sea level (in meters). Elevations also
are used to record the vertical location of a feature,
architecture, an object, or a specific point in the
square.
F
Feature = Material remains that are not
architecture but are permanent structures, such as ovens
(tabuns), pits, bins, filled rodent tunnels, etc.
Final Photos = The last set of photos made of a
square. These photos are made at the end of the season
or when the excavation in a square is complete.
G
Gufahs = baskets made of recycled tires to carry
soil
H
I
J
K
L
Locus (plural Loci) = one specific level or area
of excavation. A locus is assigned to each distinct
level, architecture, or feature and is the primary means
of determining stratigraphy.
M
Munsell Readings = a system of color chips used
to describe soils, sediments, and pottery
N
O
P
Potsherd = a ceramic fragment, a broken piece of
pottery
Preliminary Photos = Photos taken of the square
before any excavation begins. These photos record the
naturally exposed areas and are a good tool later in
gauging progress.
Progress Photos = Photos taken each day to record
the excavation progress in each square.
Q
R
S
Sherd = a ceramic fragment, a broken piece of
pottery
Sift = a piece of equipment that contains a
screen which is used to separate the loose soil and
larger objects found in the soil
Stratigraphy = the study of the deposition and
relationships of the soil layers of an archaeological
site
T
Top Plan = A drawing made to scale of the square
as if looking at the square from directly above it.
Trowel = small earth moving hand tool
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
A | B | C
| D | E |
F | G | H |
I | J | K
| L | M |
N | O | P |
Q | R | S
| T | U |
V | W | X |
Y | Z
|
