The Archaeologist S Laboratory

This second edition of the classic textbook, The Archaeologist’s Laboratory, is a substantially revised work that offers updated information on the archaeological work that follows fieldwork, such as the processing and analysis of artifacts and other evidence. An overarching theme of this edition is the quality and validity of archaeological arguments and the data we use to support them. The book introduces many of the laboratory activities that archaeologists carry out and the ways we can present research results, including graphs and artifact illustrations. Part I introduces general topics concerning measurement error, data quality, research design, typology, probability and databases. It also includes data presentation, basic artifact conservation, and laboratory safety. Part II offers brief surveys of the analysis of lithics and ground stone, pottery, metal artifacts, bone and shell artifacts, animal and plant remains, and sediments, as well as dating by stratigraphy, seriation and chronometric methods. It concludes with a chapter on archaeological illustration and publication. A new feature of the book is illustration of concepts through case studies from around the world and from the Palaeolithic to historical archaeology.The text is appropriate for senior undergraduate students and will also serve as a useful reference for graduate students and professional archaeologists.

This text reviews the theory, concepts, and basic methods involved in archaeological analysis with the aim of familiarizing both students and professionals with its underlying principles. Topics covered include the nature and presentation of data; database and research design; sampling and quantification; analyzing lithics, pottery, faunal, and botanical remains; interpreting dates; and archaeological illustration. A glossary of key terms completes the book.

Today, many general-education archaeology courses are large, lecture-style class formats that present a challenge to providing students, particularly non-majors, with opportunities to learn experientially. This laboratory-style manual compiles a wide variety of uniquely designed, hands-on classroom activities to acquaint advanced high school and introductory college students to the field of archaeology. Ranging in length from five to thirty minutes, activities created by archaeologists are designed to break up traditional classroom lectures, engage students of all learning styles, and easily integrate into large classes and/or short class periods that do not easily accommodate traditional laboratory work.

Useful and instructive papers advocating the value of practical considerations in the field, addressing common problems from the real world of archaeology and proposing real solutions that have proven successful through trial and error. Includes papers on the chemical reduction of clay matrices, methods of establishing precise provenience in archaeological excavations, surface collecting with the aid of transits, simplified mapping techniques, the use of X rays in artifact analysis, archaeological surveying from muleback, choosing and maintaining an archaeological field vehicle, and the use of small boats in archaeological investigations.

The ability to use DNA evidence is revolutionizing our understanding of the past. This book introduces archaeologists to the basics of DNA research so they can understand the powers and pitfalls of using DNA data in archaeological analysis and interpretation. By concentrating on the principles and applications of DNA specific to archaeology, the authors allow archaeologists to collect DNA samples properly and interpret the laboratory results with greater confidence. Written by archaeologists who conduct fieldwork as well as laboratory analysis, the volume is replete with case examples of DNA work in a variety of archaeological contexts and is an ideal teaching tool for archaeologists and their students.

The new edition of the most comprehensive, practical, and user-friendly guide of its kind, providing quick reference to the information needed by archaeologists doing fieldwork The Archaeologist's Fieldwork Guide is the must-have companion for anyone planning and performing fieldwork, whether a student going into the field for the first time or a professional archaeologist with years of real-world experience. Designed to be an all-in-one informational toolkit, the Guide is packed with the technical and practical information archaeologists need to know when in the field—supported by more than 400 lists and checklists, planning aids, measurement charts and tables, analysis and classification guides, sample forms, abbreviations and codes, and much more. Fully revised throughout, the second edition features two entirely new chapters on technology in the field and the archaeology laboratory, incorporating current tools and technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS), 3D data capture and modeling, DNA extraction, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning, remotely controlled drones, and underground mapping. New and updated coverage includes flotation samples and processing, oxidizable carbon ratio dating, phytolith sampling, and water screening. Covers classification and typology, creating forms and records, measurement and conversion, laboratory handling and processing, artifact mapping, drawing, and photographing Offers new and updated material on legislation regarding archaeological fieldwork and emerging topics such as community engagement and public archaeology. Provides up-to-date definitions and explanations of key terms and new diagrams, line drawings, and glosses Includes a guide to research publication, an extensive bibliography, references to relevant associations and publications, and information on where to buy supplies The Archaeologist’s Fieldwork Guide, Second Edition is an indispensable resource for undergraduate and graduate archaeology students, students taking courses in anthropology, ethnography, and cultural resource management (CRM), archaeology enthusiasts and volunteers, and professional archeologists at any level.