pintakaivauksissa

Pintakaivauksissa, a Finnish term roughly translating to "surface excavations" or "shallow digs," refers to archaeological investigation methods that focus on the uppermost layers of the ground. Unlike deep excavations that aim to uncover stratified deposits from different periods, pintakaivauksissa typically explore features and artifacts close to the modern ground surface. This approach is often employed when research questions are specific to recent historical periods, when dealing with sites where deep stratigraphy is absent or disturbed, or as a preliminary step before more extensive excavation.

The methodology can vary depending on the site and the goals of the research. It might involve carefully removing topsoil and humus layers to reveal features such as post holes, hearths, or buried foundations. The techniques used can range from simple trowel and brush work to more systematic grid-based excavation. The primary objective is to recover artifacts and ecofacts that can shed light on past human activities, often focusing on domestic life, agricultural practices, or the use of specific areas in more recent historical contexts.

Pintakaivauksissa are particularly useful for investigating sites that have been affected by modern development or agricultural activities, where deeper deposits may have been truncated or mixed. They can also be employed in rescue archaeology scenarios where time and resources are limited, allowing for a rapid assessment of an area's archaeological potential. The interpretation of findings from pintakaivauksissa often requires careful consideration of the disturbed nature of the deposits and the potential for modern contamination.