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What tools does an archaeologist need? Archaeologist skills. Analytical skills and the ability to write a competent report on the work performed

Mention of archeology began in Ancient Greece. For example, Plato understood this concept as the study of antiquity, and in the Renaissance he meant the study of the history of Greece and Ancient Rome. In foreign science, this term is associated with anthropology. In Russia, archeology is a science that studies fossil materials that are associated with human activity in ancient times. She studies excavations and currently collaborates with many scientific fields and has several sections dealing with different eras and cultural areas.

The profession of archaeologist is a multifaceted and interesting job.

People study the culture and life of ancient civilizations, reconstructing the distant past from the remains that are carefully excavated in the layers of the earth. This work requires great care and painstakingness. Because over time, the remains of the past become more fragile and dilapidated.

An archaeologist is a person who excavates in search of sources for new research. This profession is often compared to detective work. The work of archaeologists is creative, requiring attention, imagination and abstract thinking - to recreate the pristine picture of the ancient world in the past.

The profession became popular in Greece and Ancient Rome. Since then, the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages have been known, many excavations have been carried out and even more ancient architectural monuments have been found. During the Renaissance, the main goal of archaeologists was to find ancient sculptures. As a separate science, it was formed at the beginning of the 20th century.

What qualities should an archaeologist have?

You need knowledge of the many facts accumulated by scientists in your chosen field for your activities. This could be the Neolithic or Paleolithic era, Bronze, Early Iron, Scythian times, antiquity, maybe Slavic-Russian archeology, etc. The list is not complete and can be continued. Archaeologist is an interesting profession, but it requires the erudition of scientists and the ability to compare various sources.

Such a person must have his own opinion and be able to defend it, argue, based on logic, and not on emotions. It can be difficult, but it is necessary to abandon your hypotheses if there are facts that refute them. The work of archaeologists requires the presence of important qualities - patience, diligence, accuracy. They are extremely necessary during excavations.

Good endurance and physical training are required, since the work of archaeologists most often involves excavations that take place in various climatic conditions. Plus there is no allergy to organic materials. An archaeologist is a person who must be balanced, calm, and able to work in a team.

Knowledge required

Professionals must be able to draw, draw, and photograph. Know the basics of not only restoration, but also conservation of metal, stone, clay and organic materials (leather, bone, wood, fabric, etc.). A broad knowledge of anthropology, linguistics, ethnography, geodesy, topography, geology and paleozoology is required. Those archaeologists who study historical antiquities must have a good knowledge of history and auxiliary disciplines (textual criticism, numismatics, paleography, sphragistics, heraldry and much more).

Field archaeologists must be economists, good organizers, teachers and psychologists. But the most important thing is that they must be able to “see the earth,” read its layers and layers and correctly compare the antiquities found.

Occupational diseases

Human archaeologists have their own diseases, which they acquire during expeditions. Most often this is gastritis or a stomach ulcer, which directly depends on the quality of food, since there are often no normal conditions for cooking. Rheumatism and radiculitis are also common, since very often archaeologists have to live in tents in various weather conditions. Because of this, various arthrosis and arthritis occur.

What is the job of an archaeologist?

What do archaeologists do? Not only global excavations, but also individual mosaic fragments that need to be correctly selected and carefully put together into one whole. It often happens that it takes many years to unravel the secrets of the past. But the final result is worth it. Because this is precisely the way to recreate the past, which seems to be forever hidden in the bowels of the planet.

What do archaeologists do? They study sources, analyze them and subsequently supplement them with various already known facts. Research includes not only excavations, but also a desk part, when work takes place directly with artifacts and documents. Scientists can work not only on land, but also under water.

The most famous archaeologists

Heinrich Schliemann is the German scientist who discovered Troy. This is one of the first pioneer archaeologists who began to study antiquity. He was born on January 6, 1822. According to the horoscope - Capricorn. Conducted excavations in Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Greece and Turkey. For almost half of his life, Henry tried to demonstrate the historical importance of Homer's epic. He tried to prove that all the events described in the poems are not fantasy, but reality.

Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl was born in 1914, on October 6. He wrote many books. His expeditions were always bright, filled with heroic events. Many of his works caused controversy among scientists, but it was thanks to Tour that interest in the ancient history of the peoples of the world increased significantly.

There are famous archaeologists in Russia. These include he was born in 1908. Zodiac sign: Aquarius. This is a famous Russian orientalist historian and academician. He explored many monuments of the North Caucasus, Transcaucasia and Central Asia. Already in 1949, he was appointed deputy director of the Hermitage for scientific affairs.

Outstanding discoveries

Archaeological scientists highlight the 10 most significant finds in the world that were found during excavations:

Unexplained Finds

What unusual things do archaeologists find? There are a number of excavated exhibits that are simply impossible to explain logically. The scientific community was alarmed by the figures of Acambaro. The first was found in Mexico by the German Waldemar Jalsrad. The figurines appeared to have ancient origins, but caused much skepticism among scientists.

Dropa stones are echoes of an ancient civilization. These are hundreds of stone discs found on the cave floor, which were engraved with stories about spaceships. They were controlled by creatures whose remains were also found in the cave.

Terrible finds

In archeology, there are also some rather creepy finds. For example, screaming mummies. One of these was tied hand and foot, but there was a cry frozen on her face. There were suggestions that she was buried alive, tortured, poisoned. But studies showed that the jaw was simply poorly tied or not done at all, which is why the mummy’s mouth was open.

Archaeologists have also found huge claws of an unknown monster. And the found skull and beak of enormous size only convinced scientists that it would not be pleasant if such a monster came across someone on its way. But later it turned out that these were ancient ancestors and their height was 2-3 times higher than human height. It is said that there is a possibility that this bird has survived to this day, and it can be found in areas of New Zealand. The natives of this country have many legends concerning Moa.

Archaeologists' tools

During excavations, these types of tools are mainly used: bayonet, shovel and sapper shovels, picks and shovels of various sizes, brooms, sledgehammers, hammers and brushes of various sizes. The work of an archaeologist can be quite difficult, especially when it comes to excavating large mounds.

An important point is proper work on site. And the ability to choose the necessary tool is also necessary. The excavation director not only monitors the health of archaeologists, but also helps to use the right brushes and shovels correctly.

How to become an archaeologist

You can study both full-time and part-time. Archaeologist is a profession that can be acquired by anyone who has a passion for antiquity and excavations. To do this, you need to enter a university that trains historians. It is in this discipline that they can then engage in excavations and other areas. An archaeologist is a historian. However, unlike the latter, he is engaged not only in the study of theory, but also personally searches and explores antiquity.

Archaeologist salary

The average Russian salary is approximately 15 thousand rubles. But for just one expedition, an archaeologist can receive up to 30 thousand rubles. Salaries may vary in different cities. For example, in Moscow it ranges from 20 to 30 thousand rubles. In the regions it is approximately 5-7 thousand lower.

The modern archaeologist requires technical and administrative training, so he must have many skills. Modern archeology is so complex that few people can master all the skills required to excavate a large city or even a medium-sized settlement in exceptionally complete preservation. In the 1920s, Woolley excavated Ur with several Europeans, three specialist surveyors from Syria, and several hundred workers. Today, at a similar site, an expedition would consist of a carefully selected team of specialists whose qualifications and skills would reflect the complexity of the site and the features of its environment. Moreover, we are the custodians and stewards of fragile wealth and we have a responsibility to preserve the past for the future, to obtain maximum information with minimal disruption to its peace. Now let's look at some of the basic skills that an archaeologist needs to have.

Theoretical knowledge

An archaeologist must be able to define research problems in their context: everything that is known about them. This knowledge includes the current state of research on a particular problem, such as the origin of humankind or the earliest human settlements in Ohio, and the most recent theoretical and methodological advances in archeology that may have influenced the definition and solution of the problem. The research problem will be determined by the specific objectives to be achieved. An archaeologist must have the erudition to be able to formulate hypotheses that will be tested during the study. As the research progresses, he must be able to evaluate and integrate the results of the research in the context of the original objectives.

DISCOVERIES
SAXON FUNERAL SHIP AT SUTTON HOO, ENGLAND, 1939

When British archaeologist James Brown asked landowner Elizabeth Pretty which of the burial mounds on her Sutton Xy property in eastern England to open in 1939, she pointed to the largest. “Maybe this one?” - she remarked. Her random choice epitomizes the state of archeology 60 years ago, but it still led to a remarkable achievement.

On the same day, work began with the excavation of a wide trench along the hill. Very soon Brown found five iron ship nails and suspected that a funeral ship rested here. Using shovels and brushes, he and his workers cleared the bow and 11 frames. When the closed bulkhead was found, Brown very wisely suspended the excavations and called in Charles Phillips of the University of Cambridge, a specialist in Anglo-Saxon monuments and ancient timber structures. Phillips, being the meticulous archaeologist he is, examined the discolored spots in the soil of the hill, traced the marks of the sides of the boat, and located the wood-lined burial chamber in the middle of the boat (Fig. 5.1). Even traces of repairs to the hull were found. With the greatest care, scientists opened the burial chamber, recording and taking measures to preserve each find, no matter how small it was. Treasures were found in the chamber, buried along with the body of a certain nobleman, but the body itself was not preserved. Among the finds were metal helmets, bowls, spears, axes, bottles, and 37 coins dating back to approximately 650 AD. e. It was one of two ships located in the hill. It was 27 meters long, without a mast or sails, and was propelled by 38 oars. He was dragged approximately 1 kilometer to his final burial site.

Phillips excavated Sutton Xy with the greatest care, but his followers were able to take advantage of much more advanced technology. Metal detectors were used to look for small buttons, radar was used to record underground tracks, and ultraviolet light sources were used to detect subtle outlines of bodies in the soil (Carver, 1998).

Methodological knowledge

Every archaeologist must be able to plan work on the use of certain methods to achieve the set theoretical goals. Methodological skills include the ability to select data collection methods and the ability to decide which analytical methods are most effective in processing data. Excavation of monuments and field surveys require a wide range of methodological skills, from deciding what sampling or trenching system will be used, to developing data recording techniques and the ability to extract fragile objects intact from the matrix in which they are preserved. - under special conditions.

A very important aspect of methodological qualification is working with specialists from other fields of knowledge. Teamwork is especially important in cultural resource management (CRM) projects, where a team approach is a daily reality and deadlines for completing field and laboratory studies are often limited. Each member of the team must understand the essence of multidisciplinary research and work performed, for example, by geologists or zoologists when studying certain problems.

Technical skills

Methodological and technical skills overlap, especially in the field. The scientific excavation of any site or large-scale field survey requires more than the ability to select a method or system of fixation; it must also be followed in working conditions. Archaeological excavations require extreme care in measuring and digging, in deploying skilled and unskilled labor, and in implementing recovery systems that ensure the safety of the artifact from discovery to delivery to the laboratory. The issue here is the location (provenance) of artifacts and the characteristics of associated ecofacts - non-man-made materials, such as food remains and the like, that can shed light on human activity. A field archaeologist has to take on the role of photographer, methodologist, prospector, digger, fixer, secretary, soil specialist, and he must always be ready for the most unexpected work - uncovering fragile skeletal bones or setting up computer programs. At larger sites, specially trained students or archaeologists may perform the work of professionals such as photographers; On small monuments, many types of work have to be done by one person.

Administrative and management skills

In modern archaeology, whether academic research or cultural resource management, the practicing archaeologist is required to possess high-level administrative and management skills. Today's archaeologist requires the ability to coordinate the activities of various specialists, organize and accommodate student volunteers and paid workers, and seek and control funds received from various sources. You should always be aware of all aspects of the research as it progresses. This could be various types of permits, provision of office supplies or digging tools. RBM archaeologists must be able to negotiate, adhere to contracts, and follow legal requirements (Chapter 18).

In addition to all this, each participant in an archaeological project must understand people and must maintain a good mood while performing work in difficult and uncomfortable conditions. The diplomatic side of archaeological excavations is often forgotten. But archaeological folklore is full of stories about catastrophically unsuccessful expeditions carried out by archaeologists who were callous to their colleagues. A truly great expedition is one where the work is enjoyable, where people smile and argue over interpretations of stratigraphic profiles during the day and enjoy socializing around the evening fire.

Analytical skills and the ability to write a competent report on the work performed

There is one basic lesson that must be learned at the very beginning of archaeological work, namely, any excavation is the destruction of the ultimate sources of information located in the ground, and they can never be restored to their original form. Each archaeologist is responsible not only for analyzing finds in the laboratory, but also for preparing a detailed report on the field work done, which is an important part of the information about the archaeological study. Unfortunately, the shelves of museums around the world are filled with finds from monuments that have been excavated but not described. An undescribed monument is akin to a destroyed one. Prompt publication is the ethical responsibility of any archaeologist.

Working tool

Indiana Jones went out into the fields with teams of workers equipped with shovels, armed with his favorite whip. Today, archaeologists use more sophisticated tools.

Earthmoving equipment is a necessary element of large-scale excavations and RBM projects. This excavation technique is now widely used, especially in cases where monuments are in danger of destruction and when little time is available for excavations. However, everything depends on the archaeologist’s careful supervision of the progress of the work. An experienced operator can work wonders behind the wheel of his excavator or front loader, removing inches of soil with the delicate, precise touch of a bucket.

The traditional symbol of an archaeologist is a bayonet shovel, which is used to clear walls. Shovels are used to excavate soil when preparing trenches for inspection; They are used in countless situations and are the archaeologist's main tool when moving large quantities of soil. Systematic shoveling of the soil by a team of excavators is the best way to remove layers of plowed earth while uncovering archaeological layers. This method is especially useful when there are traces of pillars and houses under the plowed layer, as in the cases of ancient agricultural settlements in Europe (Grygiel and Bogucki, 1997).

Tools for loosening the soil are a hoe, a pick and a fork. The hoe and pickaxe can be considered together as they are variants of the same tool. If used carefully, they can be sensitive indicators of soil texture, as filled holes and other depressions produce soft soil. Traditional Mediterranean excavations employed specialized teams of pickers, shovel workers, and basket haulers. The latter carried the soil outside the monument.

The most common archaeological tool is the diamond-shaped spatula, its straight edges and top have innumerable uses: to remove soil from a fragile find; The edges can be used to clear objects in sandy soil to a clear surface. As a stratigraphic recording tool, it can indicate a barely visible formation line or a barely visible feature. It can also be used for clearing poles and other small jobs. Such a shovel is used so often that at small monuments, excavators rarely let it go.

Brushes are especially useful on dry monuments. The most commonly used is a household brush, the bristles of which are quite coarse; It can be held either by the handle or by the bristles. With short strokes of this brush, objects found in hard, dry soil are well cleaned. For more delicate work, excavators use other brushes. One-inch or half-inch utility brushes are widely used for cleaning animal bones and rougher finds. For cleaning thin bones, beads, and fragile iron products, fine camel hair art brushes are best suited.

When cleaning a monument, a variety of small tools can be useful. Sharpened six-inch nails can be used for fine cleaning of bones and other fragile objects. Needles can be used to clean soil from small parts of the skeleton such as eye sockets and cheekbones. One of the most useful excavator tools are toothpicks of different shapes.

Sieves are necessary for excavations, since many objects - coins, glass beads, shells, nails and others - are very small. Most layers of monuments where small artifacts are likely are carefully sifted using fine sieves with a mesh size of half or a quarter of a centimeter. Flotation techniques are also widely used (Chapter 13).

The set of surveying tools usually includes tape measures, plumb lines, ropes, spirit levels, drawing tablets, drawing instruments, scale, surveying level and compass - everything necessary to accurately record the plans of the monument for archaeological archives. Field researchers are increasingly using laptop-based computer surveying equipment to create three-dimensional plans and even reproduce the architecture of buildings.

Nowadays, ultra-compact computers are widely used instead of ordinary laptops for keeping diaries of excavations and recording data about the site. Some excavations have created computer networks to encourage communication between expedition members.

During any excavation, containers are vital for storing and transporting finds to the laboratory, as well as for permanent storage. Plastic bags are needed to pack pottery, animal bones and other small finds; Plant scraps and other special items may require special packaging. Cardboard boxes, shopping bags, and even large iron barrels can be useful for storing finds.

PRACTICE OF ARCHEOLOGY

PERSONAL EXCAVATION TOOL SET

I (Fagan) always liked to have my own little tool kit when excavating, just to have a familiar tool at hand. Here are the contents of this set, which is in my small backpack.

A diamond-shaped spatula (a type of plaster spatula), a truly archaeological tool. The "Marshalltown" brand, which has a single blade and handle, is widely used in the United States. I refuse cheap substitutes. This shovel is a versatile tool for opening small objects or removing soil around small objects such as fireplaces. In the hands of an expert, it is also a wonderful "scraping" tool, ideal for revealing the dark outlines of pillars or complex stratigraphic layers on the walls of trenches. For ease of carrying there is a holster.

Small brush for cleaning.

An ice pick or set of toothpicks for fine digging work, such as scraping bones in the soil. Some excavators prefer homemade bamboo sticks; they say they are more delicate to work with.

Three or four brushes 50 millimeters wide or less are needed for fine cleaning.

Ten meter tape measure. I always carry my own with me because others are always being used by someone. Nowadays, most excavations are measured in the metric system, so the tape measure must be appropriate.

Pencils, erasers, ink pens for marking artifacts.

Plastic bags of various sizes with zippers. Nowhere without them!

Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, a sunshade, sunglasses, good sturdy boots, and gloves and knee pads if you feel you'll need them. If construction helmets are required, they will be provided to you. Headbands are recommended.

A lightweight portable computer is becoming increasingly common.

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The documented chronicles that have survived to this day are not enough to obtain a clear idea of the events, life, and culture of the past. An archaeologist is a historical scientist called upon to fill existing gaps through excavations. To work in this area, it is recommended to have good health, extensive knowledge in a number of compulsory disciplines, and specific personal qualities. In practice, archeology is not as simple and romantic as many people think. But this is a necessary, useful, interesting profession that allows you to obtain a lot of important information about the past of humanity.

People who choose the profession of archaeologist are engaged in searching, studying, restoring and documenting artifacts. This is the collective name for material sources of historical knowledge created or processed by man. This impressive list includes household items, buildings, weapons, tools, money and even bones. A separate group includes written sources - products with inscriptions on the surface.

Types of archeology, their features:

field - excavation of the remains of human settlements and study of traces of their presence on land;
underwater - studying the remains of ships, sunken cities, recovering sunken artifacts;
experimental - restoration of destroyed or very old things important for history through reconstruction using innovative technical techniques.

It is rare to find a general archaeologist. Typically, representatives of the profession have a narrow specialization with an emphasis on a specific time period, region, historical period, or even a specific country or nationality.

What personal qualities should an archaeologist have?

Effective work with artifacts requires the job applicant to have a number of basic, specialized, highly focused knowledge. Also, the profession of an archaeologist often involves certain difficulties that not everyone can cope with.

Qualities that an archaeologist must have:

willingness to work in not the most comfortable conditions - often excavations are carried out far from civilization, where problems arise even with basic amenities;
patience and the ability to perform monotonous work for a long time - the day of many historians “in the fields” consists of waving a shovel, brush or broom;
sociability, the ability to get along well with others - often excavations take months, during which you have to communicate with a narrow circle of people;
focus on performing not only intellectual tasks, but also heavy physical exercises - for many archaeologists, the working day consists of carrying heavy objects and being in an uncomfortable position;
passion for your work, willingness to constantly learn - if these qualities are not present, then the difficulties associated with the direction will quickly cover up all its positive aspects;
the ability to notice little things, analyze them, draw conclusions from not the most obvious signs;
the ability to compare a lot of different data, operate with large volumes of information, and quickly make decisions;
accuracy, pedantry - most artifacts are in a vulnerable position to humans. Any careless movement can destroy historical heritage;
lack of imagination or the ability to restrain it - archaeologists work only with obvious things. They must be able to abstract from theory, drawing conclusions only from proven facts.

A field or underwater archaeologist needs good physical fitness and endurance. Representatives of the profession often have to work in unfavorable conditions, with critical temperatures and humidity, and lack of basic amenities. Doctors identify a number of medical contraindications for specialty applicants: heart disease, blood pressure changes, seizures, hearing or speech problems, diabetes mellitus, blood disorders, dermatitis, chronic infections. It is also necessary to have no allergic reactions to various irritants - from dust or insect bites to chemical reagents.

Where to study to be an archaeologist

Contrary to popular belief, to start working in your specialty it is not enough to go to excavations as an assistant or worker. To become an archaeologist you need to get an academic education in your field. Most large cities have universities with history departments. It is better to initially choose the department of archeology, then during the mandatory practical trips the student will have a chance to evaluate the specifics of the chosen field.

Each university itself determines which Unified State Examinations are taken into account for admission. Most often this is the Russian language, social studies, history. Sometimes you need to take additional disciplines at the discretion of the faculty and in accordance with its specifics. This could be drawing, computer science, biology, physics or chemistry. Such requirements arise from the need for an archaeologist to have a number of skills that he will need for work in the future.

A good archaeologist should be able to:

draw, draw, draw up plans and diagrams, make sketches;
operate photographic equipment;
possess the skills of conservation, pre-processing, restoration of artifacts based on their material;
handle climber's or diver's equipment as necessary.

For successful work in archeology, knowledge of history is not enough. An artifact hunter must have an understanding of geology, geodesy, anthropology, ethnography, paleography, and a number of related disciplines. Knowledge of physics, chemistry, textual criticism, numismatics, heraldry and other areas is required.

True professionals in their field never stop studying to become an archaeologist. After graduating from university, they study the works of their colleagues, attend seminars and conferences, and expand the range of their theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Where and how do archaeologists work?

Excavations are far from the only place where an artifact seeker works. Active practical actions in the area of possible presence of relics are considered a rarity rather than a system.

The functions of an archaeologist are not limited to clearing a piece of land that may contain objects important to history. It all starts with searching for a suitable area using historical sources, which involves long-term painstaking work with papers.

After establishing a search area for artifacts, a group equipped with everything necessary goes to the site. In addition to archaeologists, it includes workers, laboratory assistants, assistants, technologists, and other specialists. Usually their working day begins at sunrise and continues throughout daylight hours, during which short rest breaks are taken. In some areas you have to act very carefully, which is why some professionals spend hours practically removing layers of earth from the found objects.

Archaeologists spend most of their working lives in offices, laboratories, and libraries. They collect information, analyze it, and compare facts. If necessary, specialists are engaged in restoring destroyed objects and examining them using modern technical approaches. They spend no less time exchanging information with colleagues and documenting the data received.

Salary of an archaeologist in Russia

The income of scientists depends on their place of work, the availability of an academic degree, the type of activity, and the degree of activity. On average, the salary of a candidate of sciences is 30-40 thousand rubles. A holder of an academic degree can count on 50-60 thousand rubles. An archaeologist's salary can increase significantly if he has weight in the scientific community, writes articles or publishes books. Well-known professionals in their field are often invited to give lectures, act as consultants on film sets, or act as censors of educational or popular science literature. Abroad, an archaeologist often earns an order of magnitude more, but other countries have enough of their own specialists, so only a few manage to find a place somewhere.

Advantages of being an archaeologist

Archeology is an interesting science that attracts hundreds of thousands of people with just the chance to participate in uncovering the secrets of history. Her admirers still see many advantages in the profession of archaeologist, but they are all subjective. Scientists have a chance to find something significant, make a discovery, and make history themselves. Every year, interest in the destination grows more and more, and interesting government programs for financing trips appear. A professional with an extensive knowledge base has many ways to make good money on archeology - articles, seminars, lectures, books, television programs.

Increasingly, non-state actors are becoming interested in conducting research. Savvy and ambitious artifact seekers have the chance to engage in private excavations in a variety of climates. Archeology requires constant development from a scientist, does not allow you to relax, encourages you to gain fresh knowledge and master new skills.

Disadvantages of being an archaeologist

Today, Russian archeology is not in the decadent state it was half a century ago, but is still not considered an advanced field in science. History departments produce thousands of young specialists who often have difficulty finding employment. The salary of inexperienced personnel may initially be so low that it does not satisfy basic needs. To prove themselves in the field, aspiring archaeologists have to spend a lot of time - after 4 years of bachelor's degree, 2 years of master's degree and 3 years of graduate school, they need to gain at least 5 years of experience. Only after this is it advisable to start writing articles or books, or try to get a job in an international group.

Some archaeologists point to the difficulties of combining profession with personal life. This is especially true for women who dream of having children. True, there are options for working without frequent business trips. Not every time excavations are successful, which can undermine morale. Travel conditions are often not very comfortable, which many modern people cannot cope with. Only a few manage to make a bright career in archeology with the resulting financial well-being.

The profession of an archaeologist is not a 100 percent chance of earning money and achieving fame. Representatives of the movement consider it a vocation for those who are in love with science, long for romance, and are not afraid of hard work and possible disappointments.

Indiana Jones went out into the fields with teams of workers equipped with shovels, armed with his favorite whip. Today, archaeologists use more sophisticated tools.

Earthmoving equipment is a necessary element of large-scale excavations and RBM projects. This excavation technique is now widely used, especially in cases where monuments are in danger of destruction and when little time is available for excavations. However, everything depends on the archaeologist’s careful supervision of the progress of the work. An experienced operator can work wonders at the controls of his excavator or front-end loader, removing inches of soil with the delicate, precise touch of a bucket.

PRACTICE OF ARCHEOLOGY
PERSONAL EXCAVATION TOOL SET

I (Fagan) always liked to have my own little tool kit when excavating, just to have a familiar tool at hand. Here are the contents of this set, which is in my small backpack.

A diamond-shaped spatula (a type of plaster spatula), a truly archaeological tool. The "Marshalltown" brand, which has a single blade and handle, is widely used in the United States. I refuse cheap substitutes. This shovel is a versatile tool for opening small objects or removing soil around small objects such as fireplaces. In the hands of an expert, it is also a wonderful "scraping" tool, ideal for revealing the dark outlines of pillars or complex stratigraphic layers on the walls of trenches. For ease of carrying there is a holster.
Small brush for cleaning.

An ice pick or set of toothpicks for fine digging work, such as scraping bones in the soil. Some excavators prefer homemade bamboo sticks; they say they are more delicate to work with.
Three or four brushes 50 millimeters wide or less are needed for fine cleaning.
Ten meter tape measure. I always carry my own with me because others are always being used by someone. Nowadays, most excavations are measured in the metric system, so the tape measure must be appropriate.
Pencils, erasers, ink pens for marking artifacts.
Plastic bags of various sizes with zippers. Nowhere without them!
Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, a sunshade, sunglasses, good sturdy boots, and gloves and knee pads if you feel you'll need them. If construction helmets are required, they will be provided to you. Headbands are recommended.
A lightweight portable computer is becoming increasingly common.