Question about sorting mixed artifact layers

Tbh, my site had stuff from different times all jumbled up. I used soil color changes to separate the layers. Any advice for tricky spots like this?

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3 Comments

kevinc526mo ago

We had a similar puzzle at the 1998 Cedar Creek dig. I usually look at artifact wear or tool marks before trusting the soil color alone.

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val5186mo ago

Yeah, trusting soil color alone is rough. I've seen fresh cuts look totally different under work lights versus sunlight. You really need that physical proof like tool marks.

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the_sam6mo ago

Hold up, you were at the Cedar Creek dig in 1998? That's ancient history for real. But yeah, just going by soil color is asking for trouble in those mixed spots. Artifact wear or tool marks are way more reliable like you said. I got fooled once by a weird stain that looked like a layer break. Now I always look for those physical signs too.

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