Tuesday, 04 July, 2023

AM

Opening elevations:

NW: 28.04 mAE

NE: 28.14 mAE

SW: 28.28 mAE

SE: 28.22 mAE

Photographs were taken for the opening of Locus 1, including 2 from the south looking north, and 2 from the east looking west. Ground was broken with a pickaxe from the north, moving south, to remove topsoil. Topsoil Munsell color: 7.5 YR 2.5/2 (very dark brown). The dark organic layer of topsoil had a large quantity of loose limestone and rock as well as a large quantity of tree roots. Soil was collected in buckets and dumped. 

Just 1-2cm below the loose topsoil the dirt became more clumpy with a dense clay which demonstrated slight color variation based on its association with tree roots or not. The soil or clay around the tree roots had a Munsell color: 10 YR 4/6 (dark yellowish/brown). The remaining clay had a Munsell color: 10 YR 4/3 (brown). These lumpy and clay like soils are also part of the topsoil. The loose dirt and clay soil featured loose rocks and various tree roots. 

PM

Continued work with a pick, passing further south. Within this topsoil layer 13 total pieces of pottery were found throughout the day as well as various small broken tile pieces. The picking and cleaning continued until approximately 1.5 meters north to south were excavated. There was continual removal of tree roots and small loose stones which were then dumped. 

Closing elevations: 

NW: 28.00 mAE

NE: 28.00 mAE

SE: 28.28 mAE

SW: 28.22 mAE

Totals:

Locus 1

Pottery (bulk find 1) 13

Bone (bulk find 2) 0

Tile (bulk find 3) 5% of bucket (11cm deep, 25cm diameter)