You know the red and white stick that they put in archeological finds like cesspits and stuff, what's it for?

Question

I have seen a red and white stick in photos of ancient cesspits and i want to know what it's for.

Answer 1

As an archaeological dig is destructive, you have to collect as much information as possible. Once excavated, a site can only be studied by the data collected.

The stick you mentioned could be the one used to record the depth of an artifact, or the smaller ruler type used to show the scale of the artifact.

Sites are dug using a grid pattern.This is normally one meter squares. The grid is set up from a datum point. This is a spot marked with a pipe or concrete. Look at most road maps and you'll see a grid system. To find places on such a map you're given the coordinates set by the grid.

When an artifact is found, it's mapped in. Measurements are taken from the walls of the pit and the tall red and white stick is used to record the depth at which the item was found.

We dug one site in the Black Hills where data on each artifact was placed into a computer program and a 3D map could be created. To accomplish this we measured from the datum point to where the surveyor's tripod was placed. Then measurements were taken of each object. Some 8 measurements had to be taken for each artifact (even stone flakes)

Artifacts are mapped in, and photographed with something next to them to show the scale. The ruler type of stick is often in centimeters and inches and gives a good idea of the size of the item.

Answer 2

It's called a range pole and it is sometimes used for measuring depths.  Range poles are less important in measuring today and more often used as a simple, large photographic scale.

There is a similar device used with a transit or theodelyte for surveying topography. The second device is called a stadia rod,and there are many different designs - so it is not always red and white.

Answer 3

Probably a way of measuring depth.