Field Notes

Definition

Field notes are detailed records that archaeologists keep during their excavation and research activities. These notes capture observations, measurements, and reflections on the artifacts and features discovered at a site, serving as a crucial tool for documentation and analysis. Field notes help researchers maintain a chronological account of their work, aiding in the reconstruction of past behaviors and cultural practices as well as supporting the broader context of historical archaeology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Field notes should be written in real-time during excavations to ensure accurate documentation of observations and findings.
2. They often include sketches, photographs, and diagrams to visually represent the layout of the excavation site and the context of artifacts.
3. Field notes can reveal changes in techniques or methodologies over time, reflecting how archaeological practice evolves.
4. Properly maintained field notes are essential for replicability in research, allowing other archaeologists to verify findings or build upon previous work.
5. These notes play a critical role in post-excavation analysis, helping to connect the dots between artifacts and broader historical narratives.

Review Questions

• How do field notes contribute to understanding the context of artifacts found during excavations?
  • Field notes provide detailed accounts of where and how artifacts are found, including their spatial relationships with other objects and features. This context is essential for interpreting the significance of each artifact, as it reveals insights into past human behavior, cultural practices, and site usage. By accurately recording these observations, archaeologists can reconstruct a more nuanced understanding of the historical narrative surrounding the site.
• Discuss the importance of maintaining detailed field notes for archaeological stratigraphy analysis.
  • Detailed field notes are crucial for analyzing stratigraphy because they document the different layers of soil and artifacts encountered during excavation. Each layer can tell a story about various time periods and activities at the site, and without precise notes, it becomes difficult to establish a clear chronological sequence. By linking observations in field notes to specific strata, archaeologists can better understand how human activity has evolved over time and how various layers interact with one another.
• Evaluate the implications of poorly kept field notes on the integrity of archaeological research outcomes.
  • Poorly kept field notes can severely undermine the integrity of archaeological research by leading to misinterpretation of findings and loss of contextual information. Without accurate records, it becomes challenging to recreate the conditions under which artifacts were discovered or to validate the research methodology used. This lack of reliability can hinder future studies, diminish the credibility of results, and ultimately impact our understanding of historical narratives. Therefore, maintaining high-quality field notes is not just beneficial; it is essential for advancing archaeological knowledge.

Related terms

Context: The relationship and positioning of artifacts and features within an archaeological site that helps to interpret their significance and use.

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock layers (strata) that is used in archaeology to understand the chronological sequence of human activity at a site.

Artifact Cataloging: The systematic organization and documentation of artifacts recovered from an archaeological site, often using field notes as a basis for data entry.