Balks

Definition

Balks are vertical walls of unexcavated earth left in place during archaeological digs to help preserve stratigraphy and provide context for the layers of soil and artifacts. They act as a reference point for archaeologists, allowing them to study the relationships between different layers and understand how sites were built up over time. Balks also serve to protect the integrity of the site by preventing collapse and ensuring that stratigraphic information is not lost.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Balks are essential for maintaining the stratigraphic record, which is critical for understanding how different layers relate to one another.
2. They can vary in width and height depending on the excavation strategy and the specific site conditions.
3. Balks help archaeologists avoid disturbing or collapsing significant layers while digging, ensuring that important historical data is preserved.
4. By studying the exposed faces of balks, archaeologists can observe features such as walls, post holes, or other indicators of past human activity.
5. Balks may be removed later in the excavation process, but they are often left intact until all relevant data has been collected from that section.

Review Questions

• How do balks contribute to understanding the stratigraphic record during an excavation?
  • Balks preserve the integrity of the stratigraphic record by acting as vertical walls that separate different layers of soil and artifacts. This allows archaeologists to study the relationships between these layers without disturbing them. The exposed faces of balks reveal important features that can inform researchers about historical events and human activity, making them invaluable for reconstructing past contexts.
• Discuss the balance between excavation efficiency and the preservation of stratigraphy when using balks in a dig site.
  • When using balks, archaeologists must strike a balance between efficiently excavating a site and preserving its stratigraphic integrity. While leaving balks intact can slow down the overall excavation process, it ensures that crucial contextual information is retained. By carefully planning where to place balks, archaeologists can maximize their understanding of a site's history while still managing time and resources effectively.
• Evaluate the role of balks in mitigating risks associated with excavation methods and how this impacts archaeological findings.
  • Balks play a critical role in reducing risks during excavations by providing physical support that prevents collapses and preserves important stratigraphic data. This is particularly important in complex sites where understanding layer relationships is key to interpreting human activities over time. The careful management of balks not only safeguards against loss of information but also enhances the reliability of findings by ensuring that context is maintained, leading to more accurate interpretations of archaeological evidence.

Related terms

Stratigraphy: The study of rock layers and layering, used in archaeology to analyze the sequence of events in the past by examining the different layers of soil and artifacts.

Excavation: The process of systematically uncovering archaeological remains through careful digging and recording of artifacts, features, and contexts.

Context: The spatial and temporal relationship of artifacts or features found within archaeological layers, which provides insight into their use and significance.