conservation records must all be cross-referenced

to artefact/finds numbers and the project register

(chapter 8). The collection of information con-

tinues throughout this phase as material is studied

and recorded. The process can generate consider-

able quantities of notes, records and drawings.

Therefore, maintaining an efficient system of docu-

mentation is as fundamental to this part of the

archaeological process as it is to fieldwork.

• The aim of post-fieldwork processing of archae-
  ological evidence is the establishment of the
  ‘site archive’ (see below). From the archive, in-
  formation can be synthesized to create reports and
  publications.


• Mistakes and inadequacies in the fieldwork are
  likely to appear as the evidence is analysed. It is
  important that these failings are not glossed over or
  hidden. Everyone makes mistakes and everybody
  can learn from them. Other researchers should be
  given all the information they need to assess con-
  clusions objectively. This should include access to
  the archive.


• The difference between analysis and interpretation
  is fundamental to post-fieldwork processing and
  should be taken into account at every stage. Analysis
  might be described as making and recording

D

uring fieldwork, evidence will have been col-

lected in a variety of forms and a wide range of

techniques will have to be applied in order to

extract the maximum information from it. In all prob-

ability, this post-fieldwork phase will take a great deal

more time (possibly three to four times as long), and

require more effort, than the fieldwork itself. Any post-

excavation work is time-consuming, and can be expen-

sive. Even without excavation, the amount of evidence

collected can be enormous and it is very important to

include in the initial project planning (chapter 5) the appro-

priate time and resources needed for post-excavation

work.

These are the main principles of post-fieldwork activity:

• Post-fieldwork analysis is not a chore left for non-
  fieldworkers to do. It is the reason for doing the field-
  work in the first place, and is best done by those
  directly involved.


• A high standard of fieldwork is meaningless if the
  information collected is not recorded, analysed
  thoroughly, and made readily available to other
  workers as conveniently, promptly, and fully as
  practicable.


• All post-fieldwork activity must continue to relate
  to the recording system. Drawings, plans and

Post-Fieldwork Analysis

and Archiving

Contents

u Handling material and keeping records

u Post-fieldwork treatment of survey work

u Specialist analysis

u Interpretation and gathering supporting

evidence from other sources

u Producing an archaeological archive

19

Underwater Archaeology: The NAS Guide to Principles and Practice Second Edition Edited by Amanda Bowens
© 2009 Nautical Archaeological Society ISBN: 978-1-405-17592-0