Screening

Definition

Screening is a method used in archaeology to separate artifacts from soil or sediment during excavation. This process is crucial for ensuring that smaller artifacts and ecofacts, which might otherwise be overlooked, are recovered and analyzed. Screening connects to the principles of historical archaeology by emphasizing the importance of thoroughness in excavation techniques and the understanding of material culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Screening helps recover small artifacts that may have significant cultural or historical value, which can provide insights into past human behaviors.
2. Different types of screens can be used in the screening process, including coarse and fine mesh screens, depending on the size of artifacts being targeted.
3. This method can also help recover ecofacts such as seeds, bones, and other organic materials that inform researchers about the diet and environment of past populations.
4. Screening is often conducted on-site during excavation, but can also take place off-site when processing bulk samples collected from archaeological digs.
5. The use of screening aligns with ethical practices in archaeology, as it promotes comprehensive data recovery and minimizes the loss of information from the archaeological record.

Review Questions

• How does screening enhance the understanding of material culture in historical archaeology?
  • Screening enhances the understanding of material culture by ensuring that even small artifacts are recovered during excavations. This thoroughness allows archaeologists to gain a more complete picture of past human activities, social structures, and economic practices. Artifacts that might be missed without screening can provide vital context for interpreting larger trends in culture and society.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different screening techniques and their impact on artifact recovery rates during archaeological excavations.
  • Different screening techniques can significantly affect artifact recovery rates. For instance, using fine mesh screens captures smaller artifacts and ecofacts but may slow down the excavation process. Conversely, coarse mesh screens allow for quicker processing but risk losing important smaller items. Evaluating these techniques involves weighing the trade-offs between speed and thoroughness to optimize recovery rates while maintaining research integrity.
• Synthesize the role of screening in promoting ethical practices in archaeology and its implications for future research.
  • Screening plays a crucial role in promoting ethical practices in archaeology by prioritizing the recovery of all artifacts, thus preserving the integrity of the archaeological record. By minimizing loss and maximizing data collection, screening ensures that future research can draw upon a richer dataset for analysis. This commitment to comprehensive recovery reflects a broader trend in archaeology toward responsible stewardship of cultural heritage, paving the way for more informed interpretations of past societies.

Related terms

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock layers and layering, which helps archaeologists understand the chronological sequence of human activity at a site.

Artifact: Any portable object made or used by humans, often recovered during archaeological excavations, that provides insight into past cultures.

Excavation:

The systematic digging and recording of archaeological sites to uncover and document artifacts, features, and ecofacts.