Beginning of the Excavation
 Once
the Square Supervisor lugs all that stuff to the site
(excavation tools probably will be at the site already), then
he/she works with the surveyor and the Field Supervisor to lay
out the 6 x 6 meter square (a specific square predetermined by
the Excavation Team).[
Photo] Iron rebar
stakes mark the corners and carpenter’s string outline the
edges. Also, a one meter balk is outlined with string held by
rebar stakes on the north and east sides of the square. [
Photo] Next, the
Square Team (Square Supervisor, assistant, and local workers)
clean off the exposed surface by removing grass and weeds;
however, they are careful to leave any stones. Now the square is
ready for preliminary photos and the drawing of the initial Top
Plan. [
Photo]
 Before
the actual excavation begins, the Square Supervisor examines the
square and, with the Field Supervisor, formulates the “plan of
attack” (plan for excavation). While the plan is being made,
other preparations are underway such as setting up the sieve,
drawing an initial Top Plan, discussing procedures with local
workers, preparing Locus Sheets and Pottery Pail Tags, taking
initial elevations, etc. Once all of these preparations are
completed, then the excavation can begin.[
Photo1 &
Photo 2]
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