Archaeology Tools?

Question

My girlfriend wants to be an archaeologist and has just been accepted to a field school in Williamsburg VA to work at Jamestown. I want to get her a set of tools she can use but I dont know what an Archaeological tool set would include. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The answers above are all good.  I am just writing to offer an alternative and to clarify one thing:

You can't just get any trowel - what you need is what is technically referred to as a 'pointed mason's trowel (#s 5 and 5.5 are the most commonly preferred sizes).  A few archaeologists also like rectangular mason's trowels, but they are, IMO, unwieldy.  Marshalltown is definitely the brand of choice, but Goldblatts are also good if you can find them.  

The alternative - is to get her the one thing in the fieldworker's tool kit that she can't afford to buy herself.  And the best option, IMO, would be a Brunton Pocket Transit (this is a very accurate compass, plus a whole lot more).  I prefer the lightweight plastic models because they do not sink or rust when dropped in puddles.  They are expensive though - expect to pay more than $150 for a used one in good condition, and other $200 for a new one.

Answer 2

Pretty much covered it however here's my list..

* Sm. Trowel (Marshalltown)

* Tape measure (metric)

* Good boots

* A portable sifting screen

* Hat to block the sun

* Water bottle

* Compass (Moderately priced, no map compass)

* Gloves

* Pencils

* Water resistant/Smudge Proof paper

* Backpack to carry all of this stuff

She should be all set.

Answer 3

marshalltown trowel (5")

b*****d file (to sharpen trowel)

engineers rule (triangle cross section)

at least 1, probably 2 engineers folding rules (in feet and tenths)

fine point sharpies, some mechanical pencils

1 or 2 line levels

root clippers/scissors (roots are a pain in the ***)

other stuff

backpack, bugspray, raincoat/poncho, pocketknife, calculator, visor/hat, compass

theres other **** you could get,  but thats a lot of the basics...field school should provide everything else.

Answer 4

As a professional  archaeologist and field director for a large archaeological contracting firm, I can recommend the basics, at least:

Most important is a high quality pointing trowel.  Most professionals use a Marshalltown.  It should be sharpened with a file, and not a wheel, as not to loose the temper.  A good margin trowel is essential for cleaning test unit walls, also.

A line level, or two.  The metal kind is best.

A folding rule and tape measure, with units in metric.

Two or three rolls of nylon twine, in different colors, for laying out test units, etc.

A set of chaining pins for laying out test units.

A Munsell soil color book, for identifying soil hue and chroma.

A good reference on projectile point types for your area. This can be very helpful for dating prehistoric sites.

A day pack,  preferably one without zippers.  Zippers get filled with mud and don't last long.

A good digital camera.  You'll want pictures for reports, to show friends, and for presentations.

Answer 5

These are must haves...

A trowel

Wd-40

A file to sharpen the trowel

bug spray

lots of pens to take field notes (I am ALWAYS losing mine)

You could also include dental picks and assorted brushes and maybe her very own personal bucket, but the field school will likely have communal tools for everyone.