U is for #Utensils

U is for #utensils.

The toolkit for archaeologists differs per specialization. But the one thing I think we all own is the trowel. It is the same tool that masons use, though in archaeology it is used to excavate objects with precision. But also for cleaning edges of traces, to shape pits, but I have seen them being used as bottle openers a lot. As it is so iconic, many people think we only excavate using trowels and brushes. You would be surprised how many people are shocked when visiting an archaeological excavation the first time and they see excavators on site. Can you imagine moving all the dirt with just a trowel? It is far easier to use experienced excavator operators and shovels for the rough work and then move to trowels, brushes, dental sticks, and I once even had to use a garden sprayer to remove small particles from fragile material. Other important tools are screens (for sieving the excavated ground to better spot artifacts), measure tapes to make sure the size of the unit are correct and show the scale of the finds on photos and drawings, camera’s to document the traces, a total station to take digital measurements, and much more.

For my ceramic analysis I need different tools. Since I do not work in laboratories but conduct my work on site I always have to bring them with me. My toolkit for analysis consist of; a codebook, a caliper to take measurements, a diameter chart, a scale, A Munsell chart to check the colors, a hand held lens, and a camera and scale bars for pictures. Preferably I would also have a microscope with me but to carry those is a bit much. Luckily there are dinolites; small digital microscopes that you can also use as cameras for microscopic traces. But one side note, you need electricity on site for those which is not always the case.

Oh and then last but definitely not least! Working in the Caribbean is a lot of fun but you do need to add sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray to you toolkit!

#archaeology #toolkit #archaeologist #phdlife #atozchallenge