Testing

Definition

In archaeology, testing refers to a method used to assess the potential of an archaeological site by excavating a series of small, strategically placed trenches or test pits. This approach helps archaeologists determine the presence of artifacts, features, and other materials beneath the surface, providing crucial information about the site's historical significance. Testing is often a preliminary step before more extensive excavation is conducted, allowing researchers to gather data while minimizing disturbance to the site.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Testing typically involves excavating small areas that are representative of the entire site to gather initial data without significant disruption.
2. It allows archaeologists to make informed decisions about where to conduct further excavation based on findings from the test pits.
3. Testing can reveal important stratigraphic information, helping to understand how various layers relate to each other in terms of time and usage.
4. This method is cost-effective as it requires fewer resources than full excavation while still providing valuable insights into site potential.
5. Testing is often required by cultural resource management regulations before development projects can proceed, ensuring that archaeological sites are appropriately evaluated.

Review Questions

• How does testing help archaeologists determine the significance of an archaeological site?
  • Testing assists archaeologists by allowing them to collect data from small areas of a site, revealing the presence of artifacts and features without extensive disruption. This preliminary assessment helps identify the site's potential for further investigation, guiding decisions on where more detailed excavations should take place. By analyzing the findings from these test pits, researchers can better understand the historical context and significance of the site.
• What role does stratigraphy play in the process of testing, and why is it important?
  • Stratigraphy is crucial in testing because it provides insights into the chronological sequence of layers within an archaeological site. As archaeologists excavate test pits, they can observe how different layers interact and relate to each other, which reveals patterns of human activity over time. Understanding stratigraphy helps archaeologists interpret findings accurately, making it easier to place artifacts and features within their proper historical context.
• Evaluate the impact of testing on archaeological research methodologies and its implications for cultural resource management.
  • Testing has significantly shaped archaeological research methodologies by promoting a more systematic approach to evaluating sites before full-scale excavation. This method not only saves time and resources but also aligns with cultural resource management regulations that protect archaeological heritage. By ensuring that sites are assessed for their historical value prior to development activities, testing plays a vital role in preserving cultural resources and informing future archaeological practices.

Related terms

Stratigraphy: The study of layered deposits at an archaeological site, which helps in understanding the chronological sequence of human activity.

Site Survey: A systematic examination of a landscape to identify and record archaeological sites, often conducted before testing or excavation.

Feature: Non-portable artifacts such as walls, postholes, or hearths that provide information about the activities that took place at an archaeological site.