ARCHAEOLOGICALRECORDING 57
- Description: name of object (including hierarchal
listing, such as metal, iron, nail), form/shape, sedi-
ment colour, sediment texture, sediment compactness,
composition (material type), condition, dimen-
sions, date found, relationship to other objects. - Relationships: how the different layers and features
of a site relate to one another (see Harris Matrix
below), and how it is determined which layer or arte-
fact is of earlier or later date than its neighbour. - Associations: for example, associated with, types
of object found in the context, timber jointed to,
timber fastened to, or even lying next to another.
Orientation of objects is also a very important detail
to record. - Interpretation and motives: for example, methodo-
logical comments, reasons for taking sample, method
of excavation, notes on circumstances of recording,
excavation, recovery of material, interpretive com-
ments, etc. - Annotated sketches, drawings, plans, scans.
- Co-ordination of records: for example, relevant
plans and sections, photographs/video footage, dive-
logs, conservation records, storage records, scientific
analysis. - A significant aspect in the interpretation and co-
ordination of records is knowing who has been
doing the recording and interpretation. For this
reason, useful fields in the recording system include:
who made a comment, who recorded a feature,
who checked the recording, which expert opinion
was sought.
Recording Timbers
Two main methods of drawing timbers are commonly used.
Making scaled drawings and making full-sized tracings
(which are then often scaled down by hand or photo-
graphically). Equipment required may include clear
polythene and spirit-based pens (i.e. water-resistant) for
tracing. Perspex sheet and chinagraph pencils can also
be used. A variety of coloured pens are very useful to
highlight features such as treenails, iron nails, concretions
or repairs on full-sized drawings. However, if the draw-
ing is going to be reduced photographically it may be
necessary to use black pens and establish clear conven-
tions to distinguish between the various features. Supports
for timbers are useful. If the timber is at a comfortable
height then excessive bending can be avoided. If timber
is removed from wet storage for drawing it must be
kept wet.
Scaled drawings: Wood should be drawn at a scale that
is most useful for the level of detail required. This is often
1:10 but larger scale drawings are frequently made, in par-
ticular to record complex relationships between timbers.
It is not uncommon for 1:1 tracings to be made. At this
level of recording, an attempt should be made to show all
the major structural features such as holes, notches,
joints, fastenings and damage (such as that caused by wood
borers or charring by fire). It is important to ensure that
all the timbers on the drawing have been individually
marked with their unique timber numbers.
There are several methods of drawing timbers in plan.
The shape of individual components of a hull can be
recorded by means of measurements added to sketches.
These enable the main features of construction to be
recorded and act as a control on shrinkage and distortion
that may subsequently occur. The direct measurements
can be used as a basis for the artist’s reconstruction in
conjunction with 1:10 drawings made from tracings. A
drawing frame can also be used, though some control mea-
surements and additional notes are needed to eliminate
possible inaccuracies and to allow the incorporation of less-
visible features.
On a scale drawing, many of these details can be
shown using a standard set of conventions and symbols.
In selecting conventions, care must be taken to ensure that
they are consistently used and that symbolic representa-
tions are not confused with realistic representations of
actual features on the timber.Tracing timbers: An alternative to scale drawing is to
trace the details of the timber onto transparent film at 1:1.
This can be done directly onto polythene sheeting, or
acetate film, which is actually laid onto the timber being
drawn (plate 8.1). Waterproof pens are used to trace the
features. Laying the sheet directly onto the timber
reduces distortion caused by parallax.
Drawing onto clear PVC rigid sheeting, supported
horizontally over the timber, with a chinagraph pencil
works well under water and on land. Once on the surface
the drawing can then be photographed and/or trans-
ferred onto polythene sheeting and the PVC sheet wiped
clean ready for re-use.
Care is needed to reduce distortion when using any
tracing-based method to record more complete three-
dimensional shapes, and the drawing should be backed
up with linear measurements. For example, a tracing
made by laying a polythene sheet directly onto a very curved
timber (such as a rib or frame) will not produce an accu-
rate plan view, but an expanded view of the timber sur-
face. To be useful, such a tracing must be accompanied
by a side tracing of the timber or measurements to
describe the curvature.
The results can be reduced photographically for
redrawing and publication. Before reduction, a standard
scale should be imposed onto the drawings to allow the