20th November 2005, 10:57 PM
I have dug using the planum method occasionally.
It has its place on non deeply stratified sites where context boundaries are merging and indistinct. Even in such cases (for example on sand and gravel) it is suitable only on small features or cuts of which a specific dating question is being asked - it is a slow method of excavation.
I don't believe even the most competent excavator can distinguish every context change in every light and weather condition without slowing to less than a snail's pace. A well positioned and cleaned section is the only sure way to get true stratigraphic relationships, and it is better to compare five sepaerate spits of evidence against a section than a jumble which all came out of yellowy brown sandy loam which apppeared homogenous during excavation.
It has its place on non deeply stratified sites where context boundaries are merging and indistinct. Even in such cases (for example on sand and gravel) it is suitable only on small features or cuts of which a specific dating question is being asked - it is a slow method of excavation.
I don't believe even the most competent excavator can distinguish every context change in every light and weather condition without slowing to less than a snail's pace. A well positioned and cleaned section is the only sure way to get true stratigraphic relationships, and it is better to compare five sepaerate spits of evidence against a section than a jumble which all came out of yellowy brown sandy loam which apppeared homogenous during excavation.