Aims & Objective of Archaeological Survey
- 1. Skill Enhancement Course: SEC ASEC- 101:Survey and Documentation of Archaeological Remains BA Ist Sem. Aims & Objective of Archaeological Survey Sachin Kr. Tiwary
- 2. Unit I : Introduction to Surveying Methods (15 hrs) 1. Aims and Objectives of the Survey 2. Types and Methods of Survey 3. Contour Survey Archaeological surveys aim to gather systematic data on past human activities, map and record archaeological sites, and help understand the relationship between people and their environment. The ultimate objective is to create a detailed, accurate picture of past human behavior, often leading to more intensive studies like excavations or preservation efforts.
- 3. Aims of Archaeological Survey: 1. Identifying Archaeological Sites: To locate and record previously unknown archaeological sites, features, or artifacts within a given area. 2. Understanding Spatial Distribution: To determine the distribution of artifacts, features, or settlements across a landscape, and to understand patterns of human activity over time. 3. Gathering Data for Site Management: To collect information that can inform decisions about the preservation, protection, and management of archaeological sites, especially in the face of development or environmental threats. 4. Chronological Understanding: To provide insights into the temporal aspects of human occupation by analyzing surface finds or features that can help date sites or activities. 5. Creating a Regional Archaeological Record: To build a comprehensive database or inventory of archaeological resources within a particular region or landscape. 6. Identifying Relationships between Sites: To explore the relationships between sites within the surveyed area, such as trade routes, resource distribution, or political boundaries. 7. Developing Research Hypotheses: To gather preliminary data that can be used to generate hypotheses or guide more intensive excavation work.
- 4. Objectives of Archaeological Survey: 1. Systematic Collection of Surface Data: To collect data such as artifacts (e.g., pottery, tools) and environmental samples systematically across the landscape, following a predetermined method (e.g., grid, transects). 2. Mapping and Documentation: To create detailed maps and records of site locations, landscape features, and the distribution of artifacts and structures. This often includes GPS coordinates, photographs, and drawings. 3. Recording Environmental Context: To document the environmental setting of archaeological sites, including geomorphological features, water sources, soil types, and vegetation, which can provide clues about ancient human activities. 4. Assessing Site Integrity: To evaluate the condition of archaeological sites (whether they have been disturbed or are intact) and assess their potential for further study or excavation.
- 5. Objectives of Archaeological Survey: 5. Understanding Human-Environment Interactions: To explore how ancient human populations interacted with their environment by studying the distribution of sites in relation to natural resources, landforms, and climate. 6. Developing Predictive Models: To use the collected data to create predictive models of site location, which can guide future surveys or inform about settlement patterns. 7. Sampling for Further Study: To collect samples (such as ceramics, lithics, or organic materials) for later laboratory analysis, which might include dating methods or material analysis. 8. Assessing Cultural Continuity and Change: To explore patterns of cultural continuity or change by identifying chronological sequences and shifts in material culture across the landscape. 9. Public and Educational Engagement: To engage local communities and stakeholders by sharing information about the archaeological record and raising awareness of cultural heritage.
- 6. Understanding Human-Environment Interactions: Human-environment interactions are a key part of archaeology, helping to explain how humans have changed the natural world and how the natural world has affected humans. The study of human- environment interactions in archaeology explores how humans have adapted to, depended on, and modified their environment throughout history. Environmental archaeologists study how humans have lived through environmental change, both short- term and long-term. They examine how human activities have impacted the environment, and how environmental changes have influenced human behavior and societal development. Some key aspects of human-environment interactions include: • Dependence: How humans depend on the environment • Adaptation: How humans adapt to environmental changes • Modification: How humans alter the environment
- 7. Developing Predictive Models: • Developing predictive models in archaeology is a technique that estimates the likelihood of finding archaeological sites in a specific area. These models are also known as archaeological sensitivity maps, and they are used for a variety of purposes. • Predictive models help researchers understand the relationship between past human civilizations and the natural environment. They can also help explain settlement patterns and past human behavior. • Predictive models can help planners avoid areas where archaeological sites are likely to be located. • Predictive models can help develop theories that explain the relationships between human groups and their environments. Predictive models usually divide a landscape into three zones: • High sensitivity area: Where archaeological sites are most likely to be found • Medium sensitivity area: Where archaeological sites are less likely to be found • Low sensitivity area: Where archaeological sites are unlikely to be found
- 9. https://epustakalay.com Understanding Archaeology By Prof. K. Rajan
- 10. Any Question ?