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Archaeologists use a variety of tools for excavating, measuring, and preserving artifacts. Excavation tools include earthmoving equipment, shovels, and hand trowels. Measurement tools include ultrasound detectors, rulers, and scales. Preservation tools include brushes, sprayers, and adhesives. These tools allow archaeologists to safely and efficiently uncover and protect buried history.
There are a variety of archaeological tools commonly used in the field and in the laboratory. Excavating tools are primarily used on-site and help field workers excavate buildings, burials, and other sites. Measurement tools help with tasks such as taking physical measurements as well as aging artifacts or determining the depth of a buried object. Preservation tools are used to protect artifacts and remains from breakage or other environmental damage once they have been excavated. All these tools together allow archaeologists to efficiently and safely unearth buried history.
The archaeological tools used to excavate remains, ruins and artifacts vary significantly. Gross excavation, or moving large bodies of earth, can be done by earthmoving equipment such as a backhoe or tractor. Shovels, spades, and other similar hand tools can assist in the later stages of excavation.
When it comes to fine excavation, which is the removal of earth and debris near the undiscovered object, professionals often have their favorite types of archaeological tools. In most cases, these aren’t even specifically designed for archaeology. Small hand trowels, such as those used for gardening, are very popular. An excavator may prefer a brush, toothbrush or plastic spoon to work close enough to the artifact. Fine mesh screens are often used to sift through the removed dirt so that small artifacts such as beads or teeth are not lost.
A number of archaeological tools are available for determining measurements. Ultrasound detectors or more traditional measuring rods can be used to determine the depth of a buried object. Rulers and measuring tapes can help in taking measurements, although expanding or sliding calipers are often preferred, especially when working with human remains or other irregularly shaped objects. A variety of scales can be used to determine weight. Other archaeological tools help scientists date their finds or test the chemical composition of dyes and similar substances.
Once artifacts or human remains are on display, they need to be protected. If they are to be displayed, they must be mounted in such a way that people can see them clearly. Archaeologists might use small brushes or sprayers to apply the sealant, and often use a variety of applicators to apply adhesives to broken objects. They could attach objects such as a jawbone and skull using pins, or they could string together the bones of a hand or a beaded necklace using a thin nylon thread.
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