DOI article:
Linke, Friedrich-Albert: Archaeological survey of monuments of early mining and smelting in the Harz Mountains
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.56859#0066
42
gnisable structures are found it may be possible to use disturbances of the topsoil,
caused for instance by forestry or animal activities, or a strike with the spade in a
likely area to determine the location of a heap.
Cases where slag finds in stream sediments remain without confirmation in
the surrounding area are recorded as isolated finds with their last appearance
upstream as indication of an unrecognised site. This makes it possible to include
such finds in the statistical evaluation and to preserve the information as a pointer
to a yet unidentified site.
A sediment sample is taken for microscopy analysis if no slags where found
along the course of a stream. The sample is split into fractions using sieves with
mesh sizes of 5 and 2,5 mm. Experiences with this type of sediment analysis has
yielded two big successes. Particularly the relics of lead smelters13, which are
difficult to identify during the visual inspection of a watercourse, may be secured
by using this method (Fzg. 9).
c. Documentation
The Gauss-Kriiger-coordinates and elevation above sea level of an uncovered
site are recorded. Their position relative to paths, water courses and forestry
demarcations is noted since there is no close spaced mesh of official survey
points. The General Map of Germany on a 1 : 5 000 scale (Deutsche Grundkarte),
as well as the 1 : 10 000 forestry maps proved very helpful in this context.
Attempts to use the Global Positioning System (GPS) for the mapping of the
finds failed in the narrow densely forested valleys of the prospecting area.
New finds are described in detail as well as photographed. Photographs are
taken using standard format slide film. In the low light conditions of the dense
forest this frequently the use of a tripod. In our experience, these provided most
valuable information for the following analysis. Most recently, we began using a
video camera for the same purpose, which proved very successful particularly in
low light conditions. The ease with which images may be selected, edited, printed
and incorporated into a database proved invaluable.
Site descriptions are recorded on a Dictaphone, which significantly shortens
the time required for documentation in the field. A range of predetermined
criteria allows the precise description of each site in a format that allows for
efficient comparison and differentiation of sites.
13 Sintered slags result from the rost-reduction process for lead production; compare
further below the chapter on „medieval sites of the 9th—10th century“.
gnisable structures are found it may be possible to use disturbances of the topsoil,
caused for instance by forestry or animal activities, or a strike with the spade in a
likely area to determine the location of a heap.
Cases where slag finds in stream sediments remain without confirmation in
the surrounding area are recorded as isolated finds with their last appearance
upstream as indication of an unrecognised site. This makes it possible to include
such finds in the statistical evaluation and to preserve the information as a pointer
to a yet unidentified site.
A sediment sample is taken for microscopy analysis if no slags where found
along the course of a stream. The sample is split into fractions using sieves with
mesh sizes of 5 and 2,5 mm. Experiences with this type of sediment analysis has
yielded two big successes. Particularly the relics of lead smelters13, which are
difficult to identify during the visual inspection of a watercourse, may be secured
by using this method (Fzg. 9).
c. Documentation
The Gauss-Kriiger-coordinates and elevation above sea level of an uncovered
site are recorded. Their position relative to paths, water courses and forestry
demarcations is noted since there is no close spaced mesh of official survey
points. The General Map of Germany on a 1 : 5 000 scale (Deutsche Grundkarte),
as well as the 1 : 10 000 forestry maps proved very helpful in this context.
Attempts to use the Global Positioning System (GPS) for the mapping of the
finds failed in the narrow densely forested valleys of the prospecting area.
New finds are described in detail as well as photographed. Photographs are
taken using standard format slide film. In the low light conditions of the dense
forest this frequently the use of a tripod. In our experience, these provided most
valuable information for the following analysis. Most recently, we began using a
video camera for the same purpose, which proved very successful particularly in
low light conditions. The ease with which images may be selected, edited, printed
and incorporated into a database proved invaluable.
Site descriptions are recorded on a Dictaphone, which significantly shortens
the time required for documentation in the field. A range of predetermined
criteria allows the precise description of each site in a format that allows for
efficient comparison and differentiation of sites.
13 Sintered slags result from the rost-reduction process for lead production; compare
further below the chapter on „medieval sites of the 9th—10th century“.