Inventory and Cataloging-The Next Step in Processing Artifacts

When handling artifacts, it is important to know what they are, where they were found, and where they will be located prior to their future interpretation for research. Due to this, after being washed, all artifacts undergo inventory and/or cataloging. Within this, artifacts are sorted based on material type, object type or what the artifact is, and sometimes into further categories such as decoration type, vessel type, and completeness of the artifact.

Once sorted, artifacts are counted and placed into bags with the information of their provenience, or where they were found. A paper inventory is taken during this where the information on how they were sorted, the number of artifacts, and the provenience are all written down. This is then used to put the information into our cataloging system. NEAAAL uses a system called FileMaker. FileMaker allows us to have a digital copy of these inventory logs, where the artifacts are cataloged into the online system. Within FileMaker, artifacts are cataloged under their site, year of excavation, and location on the site. They are then cataloged by the artifact type like mentioned above. From here, the typing, number of artifacts, and the box that they are located in is entered into the system so that they can be easily found at a later date. Additionally, each box is logged, including all proveniences and artifact materials in the box, as well as the location where the box is stored.

In the pictures below, you can see NEAAAL lab grad assistant, Alex Misick, cataloging the proveniences in a box and the location of where the box is stored. This is important in insuring that the artifacts and boxes do not get misplaced and lost, along with making it easier for them to be studied at a later date.

Graduate lab assistant, Alex Misick, cataloging Seneca Boston-Florence Higginbotham House artifacts