31st May 2006, 11:18 AM
I like them, but they do have to be set up properly, and can only really work on not very stratified sites. When used properly, gives you the opportunity to get better information more efficiently and can't really argue with that.
As Oxy says, you do have to be careful to remove the element of 'randomness.' In my opinion, you have to take a large initial sample to understand what you have before you then reduce the sample size. You will always dig more in the earlier phases of the site as you are staring fresh there and have nothing to build upon - reflexive digging. Once you've established that, you should dig intersections and intercutting features first, and then those which will have maximum data. Waterlogged pits/holes, things with burning, things that give a signal with a metal detector (not for treasure, but hammerscale, industiral debitage, etc). And so on. Also must have spot dates done on site.
What I'm not convinced about, and am still weighing up in my head, is the workability of initiating a SMS without a prior evaluation. Have seen it done but think it leaves the question of resourcing too impossible. What do you think? Also can't then do preservation in situ.
Good book along these lines is Evaluation of archaeological decision making processes and sampling strategies by Gill Hey and Mark Lacey, Planarch, OAU, 2001. Makes you think - and gives you something to quote from (if it's written down it must be true) when pushing for a 8% evaluation.
ML
As Oxy says, you do have to be careful to remove the element of 'randomness.' In my opinion, you have to take a large initial sample to understand what you have before you then reduce the sample size. You will always dig more in the earlier phases of the site as you are staring fresh there and have nothing to build upon - reflexive digging. Once you've established that, you should dig intersections and intercutting features first, and then those which will have maximum data. Waterlogged pits/holes, things with burning, things that give a signal with a metal detector (not for treasure, but hammerscale, industiral debitage, etc). And so on. Also must have spot dates done on site.
What I'm not convinced about, and am still weighing up in my head, is the workability of initiating a SMS without a prior evaluation. Have seen it done but think it leaves the question of resourcing too impossible. What do you think? Also can't then do preservation in situ.
Good book along these lines is Evaluation of archaeological decision making processes and sampling strategies by Gill Hey and Mark Lacey, Planarch, OAU, 2001. Makes you think - and gives you something to quote from (if it's written down it must be true) when pushing for a 8% evaluation.
ML