Field Analysis:How Artefacts

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Anthropogenic inclusions and artefacts
Record the presence, frequency, distribution, orientation and preservation of all anthropogenic inclusions and artefacts including charcoal and other fuel residues, pottery and ceramics, worked stone and wood, leather and textiles, constructional debris and industrial debris.

Inclusion frequency
To record frequency estimate the percentage of the section surface area that each artefact type occupies. Use the frequency chart below to help identify the correct abundance class.



Inclusion orientation
Recording the orientation of the artefacts can help identify relict depositional layers and later reworking of the artefacts. Look for a tendency for artefacts to align in a similar direction, it is unlikely that every artefact will follow the pattern because of taphonomic processes so try to look at a number of inclusions when making your assessment.



Imbricated refers to inclusions that overlap one against another, all pointing in the same direction. This usually results from deposition in flowing water.

Inclusion distribution
Record whether each artefact type tends to be found:
 * Randomly throughout the deposit
 * In a discrete cluster or clusters within the deposit
 * In a band or bands within the deposit
 * Limited to the upper or lower few centimetres of the deposit
 * Within cracks, channels or burrows in the deposit.

Record also whether the frequency decreases or increases with depth.

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