Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of the ground? With a shovel test pit, you can uncover the details of the subsurface environment to gain valuable insights.
In this article, we’ll explore what a shovel test pit is, the benefits it offers, how it works, what can be uncovered, and how to interpret the results.
We’ll also look at a few examples of shovel test pits in action.
Read on to discover the fascinating world of shovel test pits.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
A shovel test pit (STP) is a method used in archaeology to determine the presence of archaeological features or artifacts at a given site.
It is a small excavation unit, typically 50-100 cm in diameter and 50-100 cm in depth, that is dug by hand using a shovel.
The STP can reveal the presence of artifacts, features, and stratigraphic layers that can help to provide a better understanding of the cultural history of the site.
What Is a Shovel Test Pit?
A shovel test pit (STP) is a relatively inexpensive and non-invasive archaeological survey method used to quickly locate and identify artifacts in a given area.
It involves digging a small, hand-dug pit that is usually one to two feet deep and about the size of a shovel head.
The purpose of the STP is to identify and map artifacts, such as charcoal, bone fragments, and stone tools, and to note soil changes and stratification.
The STP method is useful for archaeological research, as it allows archaeologists to quickly identify and locate artifacts in a given area without having to excavate large areas of land or disturb the surface.
The STP can also be used to investigate former human activity in an area, by looking for evidence of past human activity in the soil or in the artifacts found in the pit.
STPs are often used to survey areas where artifacts are likely to be found, such as in areas of archaeological importance or in areas that are known to have artifacts from past human activity.
The STP method is also used to identify and map buried artifacts, such as pottery shards, stone tools, and other artifacts, which can help archaeologists to better understand the history of a given area.
The STP method is relatively straightforward and can be conducted by one or two people, without the need for specialized equipment or large amounts of time.
The process typically involves digging a shovel-sized hole and then sifting through the soil and inspecting the artifacts found in the pit.
The artifacts are usually carefully documented and mapped, and soil changes and stratification can be noted for further research.
In conclusion, the shovel test pit is a useful and relatively inexpensive archaeological survey method used to quickly locate and identify artifacts in a given area.
It is a non-invasive method that can provide valuable information about the history of a given area, and is often used to identify and map buried artifacts.
The Benefits of a Shovel Test Pit
Shovel test pits (STP) are an effective and efficient way to identify and map artifacts in a given area.
Not only are STPs cost-effective, but they are also relatively easy to carry out.
This method of archaeological survey requires minimal equipment, generally a shovel or trowel, and can be carried out in a short amount of time.
The STP involves digging a small, hand-dug pit that is usually one to two feet deep and about the size of a shovel head.
Through this excavation process, archaeologists can identify and map artifacts such as charcoal, bone fragments, and stone tools, as well as noting soil changes and stratification.
The benefit of STPs is that they can be used to rapidly survey large areas for artifacts, and they can be used in areas with minimal access to other archaeological methods.
For example, if an area is too large for surface surveys or if it is difficult to get access to the area, then STPs can be used.
In addition, STPs can provide a quick and easy way to identify and locate artifacts in a given area.
This makes them particularly useful for archaeologists who are looking to carry out rapid and cost-effective surveys of a particular area.
In addition, STPs can also provide valuable information about an areas stratigraphy.
As the pit is being dug, archaeologists can note any changes in the soil layers or stratification, which can provide important information about the history of the area.
Through this method, archaeologists can gain insight into the environmental and cultural history of an area, which can be incredibly valuable for a variety of research projects.
Overall, shovel test pits are an invaluable tool for archaeologists, providing a quick and cost-effective way to identify and map artifacts, as well as providing valuable information about the areas stratification.
STPs are an important part of any archaeological survey, and can provide invaluable insight into the environmental and cultural history of an area.
How a Shovel Test Pit Works
A shovel test pit is a type of archaeological survey method used to identify and locate artifacts in a given area.
The STP involves digging a small, hand-dug pit that is usually one to two feet deep and about the size of a shovel head.
The STP is typically conducted in areas that may have had human activity in the past, such as the site of an old village or settlement.
The STP process begins by selecting an area to be surveyed and then excavating a shallow pit.
The excavator carefully removes the soil with a shovel, taking care not to miss any artifacts or soil changes that may be present.
After the pit is excavated, the excavator then inspects the soil for artifacts or soil changes, such as charcoal, bone fragments, and stone tools.
The excavator also notes any soil changes or stratification, which can help to identify the age of the artifacts.
Once the artifacts and soil changes have been identified, the excavator then maps the results of the STP.
This mapping process helps to identify where artifacts are located in the area and can be used to compare data from multiple surveys.
The mapping process also helps to identify areas of potential archaeological interest, as well as any locations that may warrant further investigation.
The STP is a relatively inexpensive and efficient way to survey an area for potential archaeological sites.
Its also a great way to quickly identify and map artifacts, soil changes, and stratification.
This method of archaeological survey can provide valuable information and insight into the history of an area, as well as provide a basis for further research and investigation.
What Is Uncovered during a Shovel Test Pit?
When archaeologists use a shovel test pit (STP) to survey an area, they are looking for artifacts that may indicate the presence of a historical site.
Artifacts that may be uncovered during an STP include charcoal, bone fragments, stone tools, and other items that may have been left behind by past inhabitants.
Depending on the soil composition and stratification, archaeologists may also be able to identify soil changes that may indicate the presence of a historical site.
In addition to uncovering artifacts, STPs can also help archaeologists determine the type of site present.
For example, the presence of stone tools may indicate the presence of a prehistoric site, while the presence of ceramic fragments may suggest the presence of a Native American site.
Charcoal can also help archaeologists determine the age of a site.
By carefully examining the artifacts uncovered during an STP, archaeologists can get a better idea of what type of site might be present and its age.
Finally, the stratification of the soil can also provide valuable information about a site.
Stratification of the soil can help archaeologists identify the layers in which artifacts were deposited, and can also help them determine the age of the site.
By looking at the soil composition and stratification, archaeologists can determine how far back in time the site may have been occupied and what type of activities may have taken place at the site.
In short, a shovel test pit can provide archaeologists with valuable information about a possible historical site.
By carefully examining the artifacts uncovered during an STP, as well as the soil composition and stratification, archaeologists can determine the type of site present, its age, and what activities may have taken place there.
The Limitations of a Shovel Test Pit
When it comes to archaeological surveys, a shovel test pit (STP) can be a valuable tool in uncovering artifacts and mapping soil changes.
Despite the many advantages that a STP offers, it is not without its limitations.
For example, the size of the pit that is dug is usually limited to one to two feet deep and about the size of a shovel head.
This can make it difficult to identify artifacts that may be buried beneath multiple layers of soil.
Additionally, the STP method is limited to identifying artifacts that are within the immediate vicinity of the pit.
If there are artifacts that are located further away, they may not be identified during the survey.
Another limitation of the STP method is that it is not always accurate in determining the age of artifacts.
The age of artifacts can be determined by analyzing the soil profile of the pit, but this can be a difficult and time-consuming process.
Additionally, the STP method is limited to identifying artifacts that are within a certain depth.
If the artifacts are buried too deeply, they may not be identified during the survey.
Finally, the STP method is limited in its scope.
While it can provide a quick and easy way to identify and locate artifacts in a given area, it is not suitable for large scale surveys.
For larger surveys, other methods such as remote sensing or ground penetrating radar may be more suitable.
Overall, while the STP method can be a useful tool in archaeological surveys, it is not without its limitations.
It is important to be aware of these limitations when planning a survey and deciding which method is best suited to the project.
How to Interpret the Results of a Shovel Test Pit
Interpreting the results of a shovel test pit (STP) can be a challenge, but it is a critical step in understanding the archaeological context of a site.
The STP is a cost-effective and relatively easy-to-implement survey method used to locate and identify artifacts in a given area.
By excavating a small, hand-dug pit that is usually one to two feet deep and about the size of a shovel head, researchers can identify and map artifacts, such as charcoal, bone fragments, and stone tools, and also note soil changes and stratification.
When interpreting the results of an STP, it is important to consider the context of the artifacts and the stratigraphy of the soil.
By examining the layering of the soil, researchers can gain insight into the age of the site and the artifacts located within it.
Additionally, the presence of certain artifacts can provide clues as to the function of the site.
For example, the presence of animal bones and stone tools may indicate the former presence of a hunter-gatherer group.
The artifacts located in an STP can also be used to compare the site to other archaeological sites in the region.
By comparing the artifacts collected in the STP to those in other sites, researchers can gain insight into the cultural history of the region.
Additionally, the artifacts can be used to identify patterns in the sites landscape and understand the overall cultural landscape of the region.
Finally, it is important to consider the implications of the artifacts located in an STP.
By analyzing the artifacts, researchers can gain insight into the environmental and cultural history of the region.
This information can then be used to inform future archaeological research and conservation efforts.
Examples of Shovel Test Pit Sites
When it comes to archaeological survey methods, shovel test pits (STPs) are a reliable tool for uncovering and locating artifacts in a given area.
STPs are typically one to two feet deep and the size of a shovel head, and they are used to identify and map artifacts like charcoal, bone fragments, and stone tools.
They are also used to note soil changes and stratification.
Examples of sites where STPs have been used include ancient sites such as Stonehenge in England, Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, and the Teotihuacan in Mexico.
STPs are also used to locate archaeological sites in modern environments such as construction sites, agricultural fields, and urban areas.
In modern settings, STPs are often employed in combination with more advanced archaeology methods such as geophysical prospection and topographic mapping.
In addition to archaeological sites, STPs are also used to locate buried artifacts, such as caches of ancient coins, buried weapons, and ancient pottery.
STPs can also be used to identify and map landforms such as buried middens, ancient trails, and terraces.
Finally, STPs are also used to identify and locate artifacts in wetlands and other sensitive environments.
Overall, shovel test pits are a versatile and cost-effective tool for uncovering and locating artifacts in a given area.
They are a valuable tool for archaeologists and other researchers for identifying and mapping artifacts, noting soil changes and stratification, and locating buried artifacts in a variety of settings.
Final Thoughts
Shovel test pits provide an inexpensive and effective way to identify and locate artifacts in a given area.
Not only are STPs relatively straightforward to use, they also give archaeologists an easy way to identify soil changes and stratification in a given area.
With a thorough understanding of what STPs can and cannot do, and a bit of practice, archaeologists can easily use STPs to uncover invaluable information about the past.
So why wait? Grab a shovel and start uncovering the secrets hidden beneath the surface.