Definitions

Bulk finds are usually classed as those that are formed of materials that are: inherently stable, requiring no special treatment in terms of handling, packing or storage; sufficiently robust for objects from the same context to be contained together; often occurring in relatively high numbers and not recorded as individual objects but in bulk, as a group (eg sherds or fragments). Examples are pottery, brick and tile, slag, and large animal bone.

Collected finds are those collected during the data-gathering phase of an archaeological project and retained for appraisal and/or analysis.

A context is a single unit recorded as a distinct entity in the field; here especially, a defined finds-producing unit such as a grid square, spit, fill, layer, or other deposit.

Finds is a term applied to all artefacts, building materials, industrial residues, environmental material, biological remains (including human remains) and decay products (as defined in the CIfA Standard and guidance for the collection, documentation, conservation and research of archaeological materials, 2014).

Finds from samples are derived from the sieving or flotation of bulk soil samples collected from deposits with the intention of recovering finds not usually observed during hand-digging.

A finds specialist is an individual who is competent in, and specialises in, collecting, recording, analysing, interpreting and reporting on specific materials, objects or scientific data. A specialist will have developed expertise through the extensive study of their particular field, working to accepted standards of practice and ethics, and reporting in reputable peer-reviewed sources. They should also be accredited in line with any recognition schemes in place for their field of expertise. Membership of a study group or special interest group is a valuable way of acquiring and sharing knowledge and is also recommended.

Object is the term given here to any material item recovered during the course of an archaeological project, including artefacts, waste materials and the remains of animals and plants; eg an animal bone, a sherd of pottery, a coin, a piece of slag, a fragment of charcoal, a seed.

Registered finds (also known as small finds) are objects that meet any or all of these criteria: they are recorded individually with a unique registration identifier; they are singled out because of their significance, or specific features or characteristics; they are often recorded in detail (eg their specific dimensions); they require special treatment, including conservation and/or individual protective packaging; they require specific storage environments (eg because they are subject to decay or disintegration – for instance, most metals, especially iron, require low humidity). Common examples of registered finds are objects made of metal, textile, wood or worked bone.