Rule, Sample and Technique for Writing Archaeological Survey Report
One of the most important elements of history and heritage is archaeological properties or antiquities. And to find out the archaeological properties or antiquities, archaeologists use archaeological survey and exploration method and technique. In terms of archaeological survey and exploration method and technique, archaeologists follow four general steps: (1) pre-research before survey, (2) fieldwork, (3) post-field research and (4) presentation of the archaeological survey report. In this article, the step of the presentation of archaeological survey report is discussed.
A report is presented after a descriptive review of archaeological properties or sites or antiquities, artefacts and specimens generally found during field level archaeological survey and exploration; information received from locals; geo-coordinates, other related data; and published and unpublished journals and books related to ancient history and traditions. There is some variation among archaeologists in the presentation of archaeological survey reports. However, the basics of presenting an archaeological survey report remain almost the same. A sample of archaeological survey report is presented below as part of the discussion of rule, sample and technique for writing an archaeological survey report.
- Part I
1.a) Cover of Archaeological Survey Report with Title
1.b) Index
1.c) Preface
1.d) Index of archaeological propertiess or sites or antiquities’ map
1.e) Index of archaeological properties or sites or antiquities’ Tablular list
1.f) Photographic index of archaeological properties or sites or antiquities
1.g) Index of archaeological properties or antiquities’ elevation drawing
1.h) Index of archaeological mounds’ cross section drawing
1.j) Index of archaeological properties or antiquities’ ground plan drawing
1.j) Index of archaeological propertiess or sites or antiquities’ site Plan drawing and others (if any) - Part II
Background and introduction to the selected archaeological survey and exploration area
2.a) Description of the geographical location of the archaeological survey area;
2.b) description of the topography of the archaeological survey area;
2.c) description of the land formation of the archaeological survey area;
2.d) description of the soil of the archaeological survey area;
2.e) description of the water drainage system or rivers of the archaeological survey area;
2.f) Climatic description of archaeological survey area;
2.g) Demographic description of archaeological survey area;
2.h) Description of the nomenclature history of the archaeological survey area;
2.j) Description of the historical events of the archaeological survey area and other information (if any); - Part III
3.a) Description of archaeological survey and exploration method and technique;
3.b) description of the aims and objectives of the archaeological survey and exploration; - Part IV
4.a) description of archaeological propertiess or sites or antiquities found in archaeological survey and exploration (continuously); - Part V
5.a) Recommendations (if there are any recommendation regarding archaeological sites or antiquities found in archaeological survey and exploration);
5.b) information about persons providing information and opinions about archaeological sites or antiquities;
5.c) Bibliography;
5.d) Appendix-1: Archaeological Survey and exploration Form;
5.e) Appendix-2: Opinion Form regarding Archaeological Site or Antiquities;
5.F) Appendix-3: Samples and other information (if any) obtained or collected in archaeological survey and exploration.
Finally, it may be said that the above sample report presented is a typical archaeological survey report format. Any archaeological survey report may be prepared by keeping these mentioned basic points or topics consistent. However, during the presentation of the archaeological report, archaeologists may present an archaeological survey report by adding any other topics according to their own wishes. [Md. Shahin Alam]