Management of Archaeological Projects - MAP2 - Appendix 4: assessment report specification

Appendix 4: assessment report specification

(see also main text sections 6.4 and section 6.6)

A4.1 Factual data

A4.1.1

For each component of the project (eg stratigraphic/structural, artefactual, environmental) there should be a statement setting out:

the quantity of material and or records
the provenance of material: this should include comments on provisional dating and evidence for contamination or residuality
the range and variety of materials: this should include comment on any bias observed due to collection and sampling strategies
the condition of material: this should include comments on the extent to which an assemblage is likely to be affected by preservation bias, and comment on its potential for long-term storage
the existence of primary sources or relevant documentation may enhance the study of site data

A4.1.2

The means of collecting the data listed at A4.1.1 should be briefly described (eg rapid scanning, 10% sample recorded, pilot study based on x-radiography).

A4.2 Statement of potential

A4.2.1

This should comprise a considered statement on the value of the data listed at A4.1. The statement should be addressed at two levels:

For each material category consideration should be given to:

questions posed in the project design which the data-collection has the potential to answer

new research questions resulting front the data-collection

the potential value of the data-collection to local, regional and national research priorities

The significance of an individual material category may be greatly enhanced by considering its study with that of inter-related material. The contents of all the material category assessment reports should be considered in this light before an integrated assessment report is prepared. This should summarise:

site specific questions posed in the project design which the data collection has the potential to answer

potential new research topics resulting from the recovery of the data collection

the potential value of the site to local, regional, and national research priorities

A4.3 Storage and curation

A4.3.1

This section should be compiled following consultation with conservators and the appropriate museum professional and should contain:

Comment on both immediate and long-term conservation and storage requirements for the data held in the site archive
recommendations about discarding material from mixed, contaminated or unstratified contexts, where there is no apparent purpose in retention

In formulating a discard policy due regard must be given to the views of the eventual recipient of the archive, the legal owners of the material and those responsible for the care of the excavated site (see section A3)