I agree. The data has been recorded and/or can be reconstructed for use in
an archaeological study. In this case at hand it appears that the data which was
collected is consistent with an archaeological investigation. If the
data has yet to be analyzed, it may be wise to categorize it as
archaeological. If not, l also stress what you said Trevor
of course - to cross-reference associated materials and
flag them for study.
As you have noted Trevor- not all archaeological remains and
features are below ground. Typically, an historic structure is more likely
to be considered 1st for an archaeological investigation if
it is, 'standing ruins'. During which of course data will be collected to
be used to analyze the architectural features...and so vice-versa if the
direction of the study was 1st, the architectural for which archaeological
remains were found.
Although datable artifacts may be helpful in determining the age of the
wall...it will be a variable date. Datable artifacts are determinants for
terminus post quem and terminus ante quem dating of the deposition of the
artifact(s)...therefore the archaeological find may predate or postdate the
wall by numerous years. The only way to more closely date the wall in
association with the artifacts would be to prove that the deposition of the
artifacts occurred along with the construction of the wall.
Pam
In a message dated 8/15/2006 10:10:59 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
I'm
afraid that I would have to disagree with David on this one.
Walls
are capable of being archaeological features whether they are above
or
below ground. If you have the records of exactly where they have
been
found then you can treat them as archaeological objects. And of
course
like finds in any archaeological feature they can help date the wall
in
which they were found.
However I don't think it matters too much
which collection they are in
provided they remain associated with the
information about how and where
they were discovered.
Trevor
Reynolds
Collections Registrar
English Heritage 3 Bunhill Row, London
EC1Y 8YZ
postal address English Heritage 1 Waterhouse Square, 138 Holborn,
London
EC1N 2ST