20 July 2023

AM

This morning work continued in Locus 9 after opening elevations were taken.

NW: 28.23 mAE

NE: 28.26 mAE

SE: 28.22 mAE

SW: 28.23mAE

Handpicks and trowels were used to remove Locus 9 around the stumps in the northwest corner in an effort to level the area of excavation. The northern corners still remain at a higher elevation due to the presence of large roots and clusters of medium sized rocks. The soil continues to be an extremely dense and compact grey brown silty clay with grey and yellow clay inclusions. Large roots continue to occur throughout the locus as well as small to medium sized rocks. While handpicking around the tree stump in the northwest corner, a large piece of slag was found.

Special Find #6: Slag

Coordinates: 169.60E 41.92S

Elevation: 28.27mAE

Handpicking and troweling continued in Locus 9 followed by hand sifting to remove more soil around the large roots and in the northern corners. As the larger roots in the center of the locus became more defined, an axe was used to cut them out which allowed for easier excavation. Small to medium sized roots continue to occur throughout the locus as well as small to medium sized rocks while one large rock remains situated between two stumps in the northwest corner. While the large roots in the center of the area of excavation were removed, large root clusters remain along the eastern baulk wall.

PM

Work continued after lunch in Locus 9 with handpicks and trowels. The soil continues to be a dense and compact grey brown silty clay with grey and yellow inclusions. Small to medium rocks continue to be found throughout the locus as well as small to medium sized roots. There continues to be a large rock situated between two stumps in the northwest corner as well as large roots along the western baulk wall. Abraded pieces of terracotta and coarseware continue to be found throughout the locus. After enough soil had been removed around it, the smaller, northernmost tree stump in the northwest corner was removed which allowed for easier access to excavate. At the end of the day, closing elevations were taken.

NW: 28.21 mAE

NE: 28.21 mAE

SE: 28.18 mAE

SW: 28.21 mAE

⅛ Bowl of Terracotta

2 Pieces of Plaster

8 Pieces of Pottery

0 Bone Fragments