What Tools Do Archaeologists Use: Exploring The Essential Toolkit (21+ Tools)

As explorers of the past, archaeologists wield a diverse toolkit to uncover the mysteries buried beneath our feet. These instruments, often simple in design, allow us to delve into the rich tapestry of human history. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer: What Tools Do Archaeologists Use In Their Work?

Archaeologists use a diverse range of tools to explore the past, which includes handheld tools like trowels, brushes, small picks, and shovels for delicate excavation work.

They use sieves, dust pans, and water screens to separate artifacts from soil. Mapping tools and advanced devices like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) help locate and record findings accurately.

For post-excavation analysis and preservation, archaeologists use laboratory equipment and preservation materials. Modern archaeology also integrates computer software for efficient data recording and analysis.

How Do Archaeologists Work?

Archaeologists work through a systematic and methodical approach to uncover and interpret the remnants of past civilizations. Their work involves extensive research, meticulous excavation, careful documentation, scientific analysis, and interpretation.

In the field, archaeologists select excavation sites based on research and conduct careful excavations using tools such as trowels, brushes, and sieves.

They record and document each artifact and feature they uncover, paying close attention to their location and context. Back in the laboratory, they analyze artifacts and samples using scientific techniques to determine their age, function, and cultural significance.

What Tools Do Archaeologists Use?

Archaeologists employ a variety of tools to conduct their research and excavations. These tools assist them in locating, documenting, and analyzing artifacts and archaeological sites. Let’s delve into the essential tools used by archaeologists.

1. Trowel

A quintessential tool in an archaeologist’s kit is the humble trowel. In essence, this simple hand tool is like a small flat-blade spade. Its main role is to remove layers of earth delicately, exposing hidden artifacts without causing damage. The trowel’s size and precision lend to its popularity in an archaeologist’s toolkit.

The trowel comes into play where careful excavation is necessary. By delicately removing layers of soil, the trowel allows archaeologists to unearth fragile and important artifacts without causing harm. This surgical precision helps protect and preserve our history, making the trowel a favorite tool among archaeologists.

2. Shovel

Next up in our roundup of vital archaeologist tools is the shovel. This tool is known for its robustness and versatility. A shovel is often used to remove large volumes of soil during the initial stages of an excavation site, clearing the way for more detailed work.

In archaeological operations, a shovel provides efficiency in removing top layers of soil, helping uncover potential sites of interest. By swiftly clearing the area, archaeologists can quickly get to the layers of soil and sediment that may house valuable relics and artifacts, thereby speeding up the excavation process.

3. Small Picks

Small picks are another common instrument in an archaeologist’s equipment kit. Similar to the trowel, they provide precision but offer a different utility. With one end shaped like a pick and the other like a small adze, they allow archaeologists to work on harder surfaces and rocky terrain.

The utility of small picks lies in their ability to break up hard or rocky soil. When archaeologists encounter such conditions, these tools enable them to continue their work without causing unnecessary damage to potential findings. Small picks are especially crucial in rocky terrain, where other tools may not be as effective.

4. Sieves

Sieves are crucial in any archaeological operation, often used after the excavation stage. Their basic function is to filter out small artifacts from the excavated soil, which can be easily missed by the naked eye. Sieves can vary in size, from large standing units to smaller handheld versions.

In essence, sieves play a role in artifact recovery and classification. By filtering excavated soil, archaeologists can retrieve smaller artifacts and organic materials, which could otherwise be lost. Additionally, by understanding the size distribution of artifacts, archaeologists can gain further insights into the site’s history.

5. Pickaxe

A somewhat aggressive tool in an archaeologist’s inventory is the pickaxe. With a long handle and a head with one pointed end and one chisel-like end, a pickaxe is typically used for breaking up hard surfaces. While it’s not the most delicate tool, it proves to be very effective in specific situations.

The pickaxe provides a significant advantage when working on excavation sites with compacted or rocky terrain. Though it doesn’t offer the same precision as other tools, it’s highly effective in breaking up larger rocks or hard layers of earth, allowing archaeologists to reach the areas of interest more quickly and efficiently.

6. Brush

A brush is one of the finest tools in an archaeologist’s repertoire, designed for cleaning and revealing delicate artifacts without causing any damage. They come in various sizes, with soft bristles to delicately remove fine layers of dust and dirt from artifacts.

The brush helps archaeologists uncover details without damaging the artifact. After excavating an object, it’s often encrusted with dirt and grime. A brush can delicately clean the artifact, revealing its features and allowing for identification and study. The soft bristles ensure the artifact remains intact throughout the process.

7. Dust Pan

A dust pan is often paired with a brush in an archaeologist’s toolkit. After using a brush to clean an artifact or a site, the dust pan collects and removes the displaced dust and debris, helping keep the excavation site clean and manageable.

The dust pan’s main role is to assist in maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the excavation site. By efficiently collecting and removing debris, archaeologists ensure that the site remains clear for further excavation, thereby promoting efficiency and precision in their work.

8. Storage Bags

Storage bags serve a significant role in an archaeological site, offering a safe and organized method of storing and transporting found artifacts. These bags are typically made from durable material to withstand field conditions, and they’re often labeled for easy identification.

Storage bags help archaeologists keep track of their finds and ensure the artifacts’ safety during transport. Once an artifact is excavated and cleaned, it’s carefully stored in a storage bag, often alongside a label describing its origins. This helps maintain order and organization throughout the excavation and post-processing stages.

9. Water Bottle

Hydration is key in any physical activity, and archaeology is no different. A water bottle might not be directly involved in unearthing historical artifacts, but it’s a vital part of an archaeologist’s personal toolkit. Staying hydrated can keep the archaeologist’s focus sharp and energy high during the demanding work of excavation.

While a water bottle may not directly impact the success of an excavation, it does indirectly contribute by maintaining the archaeologist’s well-being. Ensuring regular hydration can help keep the archaeologist healthy and energetic, allowing for longer hours of focused and efficient work.

10. Photography Equipment

Photography plays a vital role in the field of archaeology. Photography equipment, such as cameras, tripods, and lighting, is often used to document excavation sites and individual artifacts, creating a visual record that can be studied and shared.

The contribution of photography equipment in archaeology is multifaceted. Not only does it provide a means of documenting and sharing finds, but it also aids in the study of artifacts. Detailed photographs can reveal features not immediately visible to the naked eye, providing valuable insights into an artifact’s condition, age, and use.

11. Wheelbarrow

The wheelbarrow is an important tool for large-scale archaeological excavations. Used primarily for transporting heavy or bulky materials across a site, it significantly reduces the physical strain of manual labor and increases the efficiency of operations.

In archaeology, a wheelbarrow can be used to move large quantities of soil, rubble, or artifacts quickly and safely. This is particularly useful in large-scale excavations where vast amounts of material need to be moved. By speeding up this process, archaeologists can spend more time on the more intricate aspects of their work.

12. Zambeili

A Zambeili, or a standing sieve, is a larger variant of the handheld sieve mentioned earlier. Zambeilis are often used in archaeological digs to sort through larger quantities of excavated soil and recover small artifacts or organic material.

The Zambeili plays a vital role in artifact recovery during large-scale excavations. By processing large volumes of soil, archaeologists can ensure that even the smallest artifacts are not overlooked. This tool is particularly valuable in sites where small artifacts like seeds, bones, or beads are expected to be found.

13. Mapping Tools

As archaeology involves uncovering and understanding the past, documenting and mapping an excavation site is of utmost importance. Mapping tools like tape measures, compasses, and GPS devices are used to accurately record the location of artifacts and the layout of the site.

Mapping tools help create a detailed spatial record of an excavation site. This not only aids in documenting the site but also assists future study and excavation. By recording the exact location of each find, archaeologists can construct a detailed understanding of the site’s history and the spatial relationship between artifacts.

14. Total Station Transit

A Total Station Transit is a sophisticated piece of equipment often used in archaeological digs. This electronic/optical instrument is used for surveying and building construction to measure distances, angles, and elevations.

In archaeology, the Total Station Transit enables highly precise measurements, ensuring the accurate mapping of an excavation site. It allows archaeologists to create a detailed record of the site’s layout, which is crucial for understanding the site’s historical context and ensuring that future researchers can replicate the work.

15. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This nondestructive method uses electromagnetic radiation in the microwave band of the radio spectrum and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures.

GPR helps archaeologists locate and map archaeological artifacts and features buried underground, without any digging or excavation. This allows archaeologists to gain insights into what lies beneath the surface, plan their excavation strategy more effectively, and minimize potential damage to undiscovered artifacts.

16. Measuring and Recording Tools

An essential part of any archaeological project is the recording of findings. Measuring and recording tools such as tape measures, calipers, and notebooks are fundamental in documenting the exact dimensions, condition, and location of artifacts and features.

These tools play a critical role in creating an accurate and detailed record of the archaeological work. The data gathered through these tools not only contributes to our understanding of the site but also ensures that the information is available for future study and reference. Each artifact’s context, including its location and relation to other findings, is just as important as the artifact itself.

17. Levels

Levels are tools used in archaeology to establish a horizontal plane or level line. This is particularly important when excavating a site layer by layer, ensuring that the work is carried out systematically and accurately.

Levels help archaeologists maintain the integrity of an excavation site. By ensuring that the excavation progresses at a consistent level, archaeologists can more accurately record the stratigraphic context of artifacts, which is crucial to understanding their historical significance.

18. Water Screens

Water screens are a special type of sieve used in wet conditions or when dealing with wet soil samples. They use running water to wash away the dirt, leaving behind artifacts that might not be found through dry sieving.

Water screens play a significant role in artifact recovery, particularly in wet sites. By washing away the soil, archaeologists can uncover artifacts that may otherwise be difficult to separate from the mud. This is especially useful when excavating sites located near bodies of water, or in damp climates.

19. Metal Detector

A metal detector is a tool that uses electromagnetic fields to detect the presence of metallic objects. In archaeology, metal detectors are often used to find metal artifacts or to scan an area before excavation begins.

Metal detectors can significantly improve an archaeological dig’s efficiency and success rate. They can help archaeologists locate metallic artifacts and features buried underground, providing a starting point for excavation. It’s worth noting that the use of metal detectors should be carried out responsibly, following local laws and regulations.

20. Laboratory Equipment

Once artifacts have been excavated, the work continues in the laboratory. Laboratory equipment includes microscopes, scales, and testing machines, which are used to analyze the artifacts, learn more about their composition, and perform conservation work.

Laboratory equipment provides an in-depth analysis of the artifacts, revealing more about their age, origin, and purpose. By studying these artifacts in detail, archaeologists can paint a more complete picture of the past and add to our collective knowledge of history.

21. Preservation Materials

The goal of archaeology is not just to unearth artifacts but also to preserve them for future generations. Preservation materials such as consolidants, adhesives, and archival storage materials are used to stabilize, restore, and safely store artifacts.

Preservation materials help ensure the longevity of archaeological finds. Once an artifact is unearthed, it can be exposed to conditions that may cause deterioration. By using appropriate preservation techniques, archaeologists can help ensure these valuable pieces of our history are preserved for future study and education.

22. Magnetometers

Magnetometers play a significant role in archaeology by helping archaeologists identify and map buried features and structures. These instruments measure variations in the Earth’s magnetic field, which can be influenced by subsurface archaeological remains. By detecting changes in magnetic properties, archaeologists can locate hidden archaeological features that may not be visible on the surface.

Magnetometers have become an indispensable tool in modern archaeological practice. They enhance our understanding of ancient civilizations by revealing hidden features that contribute to the reconstruction of past landscapes, settlements, and cultural practices.

23. Computer Software

In modern archaeology, computer software has become an indispensable tool. Programs for mapping, artifact analysis, data recording, and 3D modeling can provide new insights and streamline the archaeological process.

Computer software helps archaeologists work more efficiently and with a higher level of accuracy. It can assist in everything from mapping excavation sites and analyzing artifacts to simulating historical environments. It’s another example of how technology is enhancing our understanding of the past.

From the traditional trowel to high-tech software, each tool in an archaeologist’s kit plays a vital role in unearthing and preserving our shared history. While each excavation site may require a unique combination of tools, the goal remains the same: to uncover and learn from the past.

For further reading, check out the tools used by other earth science professionals, such as geologists, geographers, and cartographers.

Conclusion:

Archaeologists use a variety of tools, from the humble trowel to advanced software, to unearth and analyze the remnants of our past. These tools are not just instruments of discovery but also of preservation, helping us protect our history for future generations.

FAQs: What Tools Do Archaeologists Use