What is digging for artifacts called?

In archaeology, excavation is the exposure, processing and recording of archaeological remains. An excavation site or “dig” is the area being studied. These locations range from one to several areas at a time during a project and can be conducted over a few weeks to several years.

What does it mean to excavate artifacts?

excavation Add to list Share. Excavation is the act or process of digging, especially when something specific is being removed from the ground. Archaeologists use excavation to find artifacts and fossils. There are many types of excavation, but they all involve digging holes in the earth.

Can I dig for artifacts?

In the United States, it is legal to collect artifacts from private property if you have written permission from the landowner. Other requirements are dependent on the state. If you are interested in collecting or metal detecting on private property, contact your State Historic Preservation Office for more information.

What is excavation method?

Excavation methods are the various techniques used within archaeology to dig, uncover, identify, process, and record archaeological remains. Archeological excavation involves the removal of soil, sediment, or rock that covers artifacts or other evidence of human activity.

Why do archaeologists have to dig?

To get at the archaeological evidence, archaeologists dig through these layers of built-up soil and dirt to try to understand the processes through which the layers were built up over time, and to find any artefacts buried within the layers.

What to do if you find an artifact?

Leave the artifact where you found it. Please don’t pick it up, move it, throw it, put it in your pocket or your bag, or bury it.

Is it illegal to keep artifacts?

5. While it’s legal to own artifacts, it’s illegal to buy, sell, trade, import, or export burial, sacred or cultural objects, and other historical artifacts that were obtained by violating laws against digging on sites, collecting on public lands without a permit, or disturbing graves.

What happens if you find an artifact?

Federal law protects archeological sites and artifacts on federal lands. You may not dig, collect artifacts, use metal detectors, or deface rock images in national park units. Violations may result in jail time or fines, as well as con- fiscation of equipment.