Management of archaeological projects - MAP2 - Appendix 3: site archive specification

Appendix 3: site archive specification

(see also main text section 4.9, section 6.8 and section 6.10)

The site archive will contain all the data gathered during fieldwork and must be quantified, ordered, indexed, and internally consistent. The site archive represents the original record of the project's results and must not be amended even when subsequent research suggests interpretations and conclusions different from those set down at the time of fieldwork. If at this, or any subsequent stage in a project, material is discarded from the site archive, this fact must be recorded (see also A4.3.2).

A3.1 Materials and records

A.3.1.1

The first objective in assembling the site archive is to preserve the integrity of the primary field record. It must be maintained in optimum conditions to ensure the physical survival of the records, ecofacts, artefacts and other specialists. It will contain where relevant the following elements:

copies of correspondence relating to fieldwork
survey reports (eg borehole, geophysical, documentary)
site notebooks/diaries
original photographic records
site drawings (plans, sections, elevations)
original context records
artefacts, ecofacts and any other sample residues
original finds records (eg registered finds, bulk finds, artefact dating catalogues)
records of conservation and x-rays undertaken during fieldwork
original sample records
original skeleton records
computer discs and printout

A3.1.2

When compiling the site archive, the need for good images for security copying should be borne in mind. It is possible, for example, to fiche directly from drawings if the correct materials, letter and number size etc are used and staff are trained appropriately.

A3.2 Matrix and summaries

A3.2.1

In addition to these elements, the site archive should also contain a brief objective statement summarising the nature and quantity of the various classes of data collected, which completes the task of observation and prepared for reviews without moving into the areas to be covered by the assessment and analysis phases. This summary should be compiled by those most closely involved with the fieldwork as soon after fieldwork has been completed as is possible. The following documentation should be produced:

a full site matrix: all stratigraphic relationships should be cross-checked and the stratigraphic sequence of the site firmly established. It may be supplemented by annotated lists of contexts or sketch plans as appropriate
a summary account of the context record: not at this stage all exhaustive descriptive account of the site, but rather a short report describing the site and synthesising the context record (say 2-5 pages of text). The site summary and matrix together represent a mechanism for taking forward an understanding of a site while acknowledging that interpretation may well change as work proceeds through the succeeding assessment and analysis phases
a summary of the artefact record: a brief statement of the range, quality, condition and any other pertinent details of the artefact collection
a summary of the environmental record: a brief statement of the range, quality, condition and any other pertinent details of the environmental material collected.