Excavations continued throughout the week in EU’s 1,3 and 5. Field work continued through most of the week; however, Friday resulted in lab work due to adverse weather. Lab work mainly consisted of washing, sorting, and cataloging artifacts.
Long Barrack Archaeology Update - November 10
November 10, 2023
In EU-1, archaeologists reached an approximate depth of 100 cm below surface. The builder’s trench associated with earlier construction of perimeter wall (Feature 2) has completely diminished. Additionally, excavations revealed remnants of a caliche surface was assigned Feature 9. Artifacts include a low density of large faunal fragments. A new Feature 10 was identified this week as a compacted surface which will continue to be explored this week.
In EU-3, a fragmented wooden post within the builder’s trench was removed. Archaeologists fully exposed Feature 3 and completed the profile map of the limestone footer. A sample of the sandy mortar associated with the limestone footer was collected for further analysis. After mapping the feature, the archaeologist continued excavations into the next level. The excavations have reached approximately 110 cm below surface. Artifacts mainly include construction materials, ceramic, charcoal, and lithics.
In EU-5, archaeologists exposed a burned feature at approximately 52 cm below surface. Once this feature was defined, archaeologists bisected it to analyze whether the soil matrix continued into the next level. The artifacts included charcoal nodules in addition to ceramics, lithics, and fire-cracked rock. It appears that the feature is indicative of a burning episode. A Spanish Colonial fine paste lead-glazed sherd was recovered during bisection of the feature.The recovery of the sherd is significant as it represents base and body of a vessel. The feature did not continue into the next level. Excavations have reached approximately 70 cm below surface.
