Now that we have established the need to catalog, we need to cover one more aspect before we talk about the methods.  That aspect is how to label your artifacts.  Most artifacts are made of stone.  These include projectile points and tools.  There are many ways to label these type of artifacts.  The most common and most practical method is to mark each artifact with the site number (site number is discussed in methods section).  Before you can mark these type of artifacts you must put a protective surface that is suitable for writing on.  Many people use fingernail polish or white out.  The problem with these types of materials is that the acid levels may etch the artifact and damage it.  I suggest using a professional material like Paraloid B72.  This is a synthetic material that is made specifically for marking artifacts.  I have a link to a website that sells this under the supplies page.

     Whatever material you choose to use as a base you should first test it out on a flake of the same material as the artifact.  To do this take a flake or chip home from different materials.  Place a small amount on each flake and let it dry.  After it drys try to remove it.  Do not assume that if the material is safe on one type of flake it will be safe for all of them.  I had this problem when I first moved to North Carolina.

     After you have created a suitable area you can then put the site number on the artifact.  To do this use a extra fine tipped marker.  Make sure that you do not press very hard.  This could damage the artifact or press through the base material.

     The above method works well on stone artifacts and ceramics.  This is not recommended for any shell, bone, wood, or fiber artifacts.  These type of artifacts have the tendency to absorb the base material and therefor can damage it.  For these types of artifacts you should attach a label to them.  This can be done using a piece of string tied around the artifact and a label attached to the string.  Make sure that you are using acid free paper for the label.

     Artifacts that are large may not be practical for either of these types of labeling.  An example of this type of artifact would be a metate.  An alternative way to label these would be to take a picture of each artifact.  Label the picture and keep that with your other documents.  This type of labeling can be practical for large items because most people do not have nearly as many as other artifacts. 
Labeling your Artifacts
Next Page
Back to main Menu
You may also find the link on the supplies page