Once again, we were surprised by another lovely June morning (not too hot, not too humid, and a light breeze). Our teams continue to practice different selected skills each day.
Today, we focused on two skills: shovel skimming and trowelling. Shovel skimming, as opposed to simply "digging" with a shovel, requires a relatively precise use of the shovel blade to remove a thin slice of earth. Properly done, this leaves a clean fresh-cut surface in which soil stains can readily be seen. Below, Barrett practices this new technique.
We can often remove the plowzone rapidly with the shovel -- evidence of postholes, pits, and other prehistoric cultural features have already been "homogenized" in this zone by years of churning, turning, and mixing by the plow. However, as we proceed beneath the plowzone into more intact soil layers, we have to proceed slowly and cautiously so that we don't destroy something before we know that it's there. Down at the other end of our slowly emerging trench, Ryan and Erica are honing their skimming skills as well.
Somewhat later, Ryan discovered this recently deceased shrew in the grass. While resembling a mouse or vole in some ways, this little fellow is actually a rather agressive insectivore (certainly not as timid as a mouse!). While it may have accidentally been trampled as we uncovered our excavation units earlier in the day, shrews are often frequently killed by other predators (cats and the like) because of their resemblance to more familiar rodents. Once killed, their bodies are often abandoned uneaten -- shrews have a very strong musky scent gland that makes them unpalatable.
Also during the day, students were practicing their trowelling skills. The trowel is probably one of the most recognized "archaeological tools" by the general public. Knowing when to use a shovel and when to use a trowel is a skill that takes time to learn. For final examination and photography of an excavation level, the careful removal of a very thin layer of soil with a trowel across the entire unit provides a clean and professional looking surface. Below, Katie illustrates that she has mastered this technique (along with her teammates!) with a nicely flat, clean unit.
While examining the freshly cut hay next to our excavation area, we also discovered an abanonded nest left by some of our local red-wing blackbird couples.
On Saturday, we will be working with volunteers from the general public -- giving them a chance to try their hand at archaeology.