Archaeology Term: Profile Drawing

A profile drawing is a drawn representation of the walls of an excavation unit, showing the exposed stratigraphy as if viewed directly from the front.

These cross-section drawings capture details of soil layers, features, and artifacts in a way that helps archaeologists analyze the vertical sequence of events at the site.

Profile drawings are fundamental in recording the stratigraphic context and composition of each layer encountered during excavation. This visual record preserves essential information, as the physical profile is often destroyed as the excavation proceeds.

Each wall of an excavation unit, known as a profile, can have a different arrangement of layers, reflecting variations in soil deposition or site use. Archaeologists use these drawings to document these variations meticulously, noting changes in color, texture, and any inclusions like stones, pottery, or organic material.

Creating profile drawings requires careful measurement and scaling to ensure accuracy, as these representations become permanent records of the excavation. Often, archaeologists will draw profiles at specific intervals or from each wall of a test pit to capture a comprehensive view of the stratigraphy.

Profile drawings help identify key transitions between layers, such as periods of habitation, construction, or natural events that affected the site. By documenting the relationships between layers, archaeologists can interpret the relative dating of artifacts and features found within each stratum.

These drawings also enable researchers to observe the original position of artifacts, which provides insight into the activity patterns and spatial organization within the site. In some cases, profile drawings reveal anomalies, such as pits, burials, or disturbances, offering clues about specific human actions.

In addition to hand drawings, profile data may also be recorded digitally, providing even more precise ways to analyze and interpret the stratigraphy. Digital techniques, such as 3D modeling, complement traditional profile drawing, enhancing the ability to share and study excavation data long after the dig has concluded.

The accuracy of profile drawings is crucial because they serve as a basis for interpreting the depositional history of the site. Careful attention to detail, such as layering differences and any visible inclusions, ensures that future researchers can reconstruct the excavation context accurately.

Profile drawings not only document the soil composition but also contribute to broader research goals by helping archaeologists understand human-environment interactions over time. These drawings provide a foundational visual tool for interpreting and sharing the sequence of events preserved within an archaeological site’s stratigraphy.