Archaeological Field Drawing: Strata, In-Situ Artifacts, and Scale

Object Drawing Lessons

Archaeological field drawing records what is present and where it sits relative to other deposits. This lesson teaches a simple, repeatable convention: draw the trench cross-section to a stated scale, separate strata with clear boundaries, show an artifact in situ within its layer, and annotate a scale bar with unit marks. Because lettering and line styles vary, the rubric rewards consistent, legible choices rather than one universal look. All measurements below are hypothetical examples; measure your own paper and tools before labeling any scale.

Practice materials: Printable downloads are not available for this lesson yet. Use the instructions and four exercises below.

Set the drawing frame and scale convention

Begin by deciding the drawing scale as a ratio of paper distance to real distance, for example 1:20, meaning one unit on paper represents twenty units in the ground. State the scale in words on the sheet. Draw a rectangular trench frame with a light pencil border, then add a scale bar: a straight line divided into equal segments, each labeled with its real-world length and unit. Use the same unit throughout, such as centimeters.

Measure the actual paper and ruler you will use. If a segment is 2 cm on paper at 1:20, label it 40 cm. Treat these numbers as hypothetical until you verify them with your own equipment. Keep the scale bar outside the trench frame so it does not cover deposits.

1. Write the scale ratio and unit at the top of the sheet.
2. Draw a light rectangular trench frame.
3. Draw a scale bar with equal segments and label each segment in real units.
4. Check one segment by multiplying paper length by the scale factor.

Draw strata boundaries and label layers

Strata are drawn as bands within the trench frame. Use a distinct line style for each boundary, such as solid for clear contacts and dashed for inferred contacts, and explain the style in a small key. Shade or hatch each layer differently, but keep hatching light so artifact outlines remain visible. Label each stratum with a short letter or number and a brief description, such as 'Layer A: dark loam'.

Boundaries should follow the shape you observe, not a perfect horizontal line. Where a layer is cut by a pit or later disturbance, draw the cut line and label it. Keep labels aligned and outside the densest hatching.

1. Draw the lowest visible boundary first, then work upward.
2. Use one line style per contact type and record it in the key.
3. Add a short label for each layer near its boundary.
4. Check that every layer label points to the correct band.

Place the in-situ artifact and annotate context

An artifact is in situ when it is drawn in the position where it was found within a layer. Outline the artifact lightly, then add only the details needed to recognize its shape and orientation. Show the part still embedded by leaving that edge open or dashed, and note the layer label beside it. Do not identify the artifact type unless the brief requires it; describe position and orientation instead.

Add a short annotation checklist beside the drawing: scale stated, north arrow if orientation matters, layer labels present, artifact layer noted, scale bar labeled. Tick each item after drawing. This checklist is part of the drawing record, not decoration.

1. Sketch the artifact outline within the correct layer band.
2. Mark embedded edges with a dashed or open line.
3. Write the layer label next to the artifact.
4. Complete the annotation checklist and correct any missing item.

Use a consistent lettering and line convention

Choose one lettering style and keep it throughout. A useful convention is to size lowercase letters so their height runs from the baseline to the midline, called x-height; capitals may be taller. This makes labels readable at a glance. Line weights should also be consistent: heavier for trench frame and scale bar, lighter for hatching and artifact outlines.

Valid alternatives are acceptable. You may use all capitals, a neat cursive, or a mixed style, provided labels are legible and the same style is used for the same kind of label. The rubric checks consistency and clarity, not a single approved handwriting.

1. Pick one label style for layers and one for notes.
2. Keep x-height consistent for lowercase labels.
3. Use heavier lines for frame and scale bar, lighter lines for shading.
4. Review the sheet for mixed styles and unify them.

Worked example

A trench cross-section at 1:20 shows three layers. Layer A is dark loam at the top, Layer B is reddish clay in the middle, and Layer C is pale sand at the bottom. A small pot fragment sits in Layer B, partly embedded on its left edge. Draw the frame, three labeled strata, the artifact in situ, and a scale bar with three 2 cm segments labeled in real centimeters.

Four practice exercises

Common mistakes

• Drawing the scale bar without labeling units or verifying segment length. Measure each segment on paper, multiply by the scale factor, and write the real length and unit beside it.
• Placing the artifact outside its correct layer band. Trace the layer boundary first, then position the artifact outline within that band and label the layer beside it.
• Using many line styles without a key. Limit contact styles to two or three and add a small key explaining each style.
• Letting hatching cover artifact outlines. Keep hatching light and leave a small clear margin around the artifact outline.

Self-check rubric

• Scale ratio and unit are stated clearly.
• Scale bar segments are equal, measured, and labeled in real units.
• Three strata are drawn with distinct, keyed boundary styles.
• Each stratum has a short label placed near its band.
• Artifact is drawn within the correct layer and its embedded edge is marked.
• Lettering style is consistent and legible; x-height convention is followed for lowercase labels.
• Annotation checklist is completed and accurate.

Questions and answers