Archaeology Term: Back Dirt
Back dirt, the excavated material removed from an archaeological site, is typically discarded after being sifted for artifacts.
This material, often composed of soil, sediment, and other debris, is considered to have limited archaeological value and is usually disposed of or reused to refill the excavation pits.
The process of excavating a site involves carefully removing layers of soil to expose buried artifacts and features. As each layer is removed, the excavated material is sifted to recover any small artifacts or ecofacts that may have been missed during the initial excavation. Once the material has been thoroughly sifted, it is classified as back dirt.
Back dirt is often used to refill excavation pits once the archaeological work is complete. This process, known as backfilling, helps to restore the site to its original condition and minimize the impact of the excavation on the landscape.
While back dirt is generally considered to be of little archaeological significance, it is important to note that new discoveries can sometimes be made even in seemingly unremarkable material. In some cases, archaeologists may re-examine back dirt if new questions arise or if new techniques become available.
By carefully managing and disposing of back dirt, archaeologists can help to preserve the integrity of archaeological sites and ensure that valuable information is not lost.
