; File processed on 2025-09-08 ; A6-argument -inc 1997-06-26_H629BSH.J bsh the horizontal ash-grey surface must be a floor that was missed before the discovery of f364. -inc 1997-06-26_H629BSH.J bsh GB identifies f368 as straw/stubble used as fuel for the oven nearby. RAH and MKB identify the feature as a reed mat. -inc 1997-06-28_H629BSH.J bsh that surface revealed during the removal of f366 to the S may in fact be the Southern portion of f369, especially given that the surface contains a material identical to that of f368. Since the sherds etc. are below this surface and horizontal, it is possible that they are resting on the surface of f364. The presence of the brick might indicated that the sherds are situated about a structure. -inc 1997-06-29_H629BSH.J bsh the fact that f365 turned, descended, and became f364 is indicative of the fact that f365 and, accordingly, f367 are not a fl and ac respectively at this point, but in fact compose a fill that was used to make level the uneven surface of f364. (That a continuous surface was followed is supported by the presence of a horizontally lying sherd along the path followed by the workman.) The gypsum spot to which f364 led could be f370, which could be the original floor surface. GB thought that the gypsum coating in the SW corner is a bit high to make this identification. A hole uncovered near the flue could be a vent, or rodent hole. -inc 1997-06-30_H701BSH.J bsh it is possible that the cavity discovered near the oven contains a branch leading to f375 (i.e., f374 and f375 may be part of a larger rh). ; A6-daily -inc 1992-07-04_C7-1-D.J rK 2 intact jars (2nd mill?) were recovered from close to the surface from the NE corner of k218. The rabbeting of the brick wall along the N baulk of k168 is interesting. -inc 1992-07-05_C7-1-D.J rK GB's analysis that there is another closet past the doorway in k168 parallel to A1a1 is partially corroborated. -inc 1992-07-07_C7-1-D.J rK Excavation proceeded in all squares except k167. -inc 1992-07-08_C7-1-D.J gB reviewed in detail entire unit -inc 1992-07-11_C7-3.J rK We continued excavation as before except for inactivity in k218 and the closet a1. The tannur in k217 that might belong to Phase 3 of AA stratification B, and the better definition of brick walls in k219 were the major finds of the day. In addition, the skull in k168 was removed and the pedestal cut down to the level of the brickwall alongside. -inc 1992-07-13_C7-3.J rK we discovered the stone underlying brick in walls f8 and f30. The k217 floor is not yet at the level of the brick wall, f16 in 167, whose continuation past the putative large doorway we are in search of. -inc 1992-07-14_C7-3.J RK no major finds today. The stone layers of f8 and f30 exposed. f39 in k217 was found to be a full skeleton but only the skull and few bones were removed--rest in baulk. -inc 1992-07-18_C7-3.J RK 2 EW walls in k170 are being well defined as is the doorway f57. -inc 1992-07-19_C7-3.J RK we have partially opened the doorway f57 by removing the accumulation within. A possible well in k219, well below the level of the kiln has been observed. A floor has been reached in k168. -inc 1992-07-20_C7-3.J RK great resistance to going down in the E 1/2 of k217 on account of encounters with human bones and the hardness of the accumulation, even where brick is not clearly identifiable. Progress was slow. -inc 1992-07-21_C7-3.J RK Most of the floor work in k168 is now done. -- the major excavative activity in k170 on C720 (baulk removal and digging) was finished off today. -inc 1992-07-11_C7-3.J rK We continued excavation as before except for inactivity in k218 and the closet a1. The tannur in k217 that might belong to Phase 3 of AA stratification B, and the better definition of brick walls in k219 were the major finds of the day. In addition, the skull in k168 was removed and the pedestal cut down to the level of the brickwall alongside. -inc 1992-07-13_C7-3.J rK we discovered the stone underlying brick in walls f8 and f30. The k217 floor is not yet at the level of the brick wall, f16 in 167, whose continuation past the putative large doorway we are in search of. -inc 1992-07-14_C7-3.J RK no major finds today. The stone layers of f8 and f30 exposed. f39 in k217 was found to be a full skeleton but only the skull and few bones were removed--rest in baulk. -inc 1992-07-18_C7-3.J RK 2 EW walls in k170 are being well defined as is the doorway f57. -inc 1992-07-19_C7-3.J RK we have partially opened the doorway f57 by removing the accumulation within. A possible well in k219, well below the level of the kiln has been observed. A floor has been reached in k168. -inc 1992-07-20_C7-3.J RK great resistance to going down in the E 1/2 of k217 on account of encounters with human bones and the hardness of the accumulation, even where brick is not clearly identifiable. Progress was slow. -inc 1992-07-21_C7-3.J RK Most of the floor work in k168 is now done. -- the major excavative activity in k170 on C720 (baulk removal and digging) was finished off today. -inc 1996-07-03_G703RK.J jM k168: started with 3 workmen, Abdul-Kareem, Sultan, and Dara, from the Northern part of the floor (f101). We divided it into 3 parts N-S 50cm, E-W 70cm. -inc 1996-07-03_G703RK.J jO In k168 we assigned different q-lots for pottery to each section (i.e. for each workman), and one q-lot for all of them for bone and likewise for charcoal. -inc 1996-07-03_G703RK.J jO we extended our operation another 100 cm to the South with the same division between the workmen and same q-lots: q301-q303, q305, q306 and q310. Our starting point was in line with the S wall, f123, about 10 cm in depth. -inc 1996-07-04_G705RK.J rk in k218, f102 was cleared further all the way to the N of locus, requiring removal of ashpit, f31. -inc 1996-07-06_G714RK.J rK should triangulate the "handiron" -inc 1996-07-07_G716RK.J jM Grey ac f109 getting thinner toward N, not even. Started digging feature 110 to have a fresh look at the section in order to see the different levels and the lining between f109 and f110. The floor section in k169 is being advanced toward k168. -inc 1996-07-14_G720RK.J rK [A] Excavation in A6 has been progressing well. In k168,169, the stratum removed and the sections cut reaching below them show that we are well above the bottom of the stone walls f123, f133. The exposed strata still accumulate against teh surface of the wall so that what we have removed and at layyers underlying arrre floor ac. The original sub-floor that underlies the walls is yet to be reached in section. [B] The pedestal left on top of f78 for documentation and studyy has been completely removed, exposing the top surface of the brick layer of the original wall. The pedestal itself had 3-4 courses of brick just above f78 but an irregular construction or ac above it. The S face of f78 has now been defined within the square to a depth varying from ca. 50 cm at the W to ca. 5 cm at the E. The N face has been partially defined. We were surprised to find as a result of the excavation on G713 that the faces of the wall jogged in on both N & S, narrowing to ca. 110 cm in width. A potential NS wall joining f78 from the N in this locus awaits clear definition. We have suspended excavation in this square for now. [C] Excavation in k218 has progressed well. The baulks on the W & N have been completely removed as of G713. We cleaned and defined the section on the S limit of k217 and have begun further removal of the deposits by layer following the N section. The ash pit, f29, identified during MZ7, was excavated today. Also, the NW quadrant of the locus seems to have been more disturbed than the rest. This was treated as a separate feature (f159), delimited by surface lines on the floor being excavated. -inc 1996-07-20_G720RK.J rK We checked the elevations of the top of the brick layers of f78, f20 (E of vault a1) and f12 (S of door a4). They were all within 5 cm of each other. The E section of k218 show a cut reaching to a13 from above perhaps as high as f108 (below f102). -inc 1996-07-21_G801RK.J rK ?? Is there a floor between f166 and f169 -gray??? Is there a floor between f174 and f176? -inc 1996-07-27_G803RK.J rK Because we found a very interesting clay artifact (figurine) and a sealing while digging with the large picks, the large pick digging was stopped and six men were assigned to remove the rest of f176 to 10 cm depth at a time with the handpick. -inc 1996-07-30_G806RK.J rK In the accumulation belonging to q596 there were isolated grain, appearing charred. In the SE quadrant as the removal of the bottom 20 cm of the feature progressed, a differentiation was noted between the upper reddish 10 cm and the lower brownish 10 cm. But following the section to the W, this was not found to continue. It was more or less uniformly intermixed pink and brown to the W and E of this 60cm wide area. So the accumulation continued to be treated as the same feature. -inc 1996-08-06_G808RK.J rK f215, f220 (the little so far excavated) show evidence of chunks of carbon. Could it be at the time pertaining to these floors that the roof of the building was lost (and not replaced?). We do find more outside kind of use above these levels. jO joins me in raising this question. -inc 1996-08-06_G808RK.J rK We are concluding our operation in k22. The highest level in the locus, except for a short pedestal to the SW of doorway f217, and untouched this season, belongs to f215. There has been no layer of f215 removed in k22 where it remains. All of f215 has been removed along the middle of the locus in an EW strip corresponding to the exposed width of wall f210 and the cut in A8. On either side of this strip, all of f215 remains. -inc 1997-06-12_H616DNSD.J dns Backfill removal began today, and should be finished by the time RK arrives, as it is fairly shallow. BWP will place new control points in k22, probably on the walls. -inc 1997-06-16_H616DNSD.J dns Excavation began today in the sod layer of k30 (f301), as well as in k22, f215. -inc 1997-06-17_H616DNSD.J dns Bricks found in k30, f302, now f303--walls? burial? In SE corner of k30, we may have the corner of a building. Could it be part of a building found in A8 last year? During removal of f305, a number of large stones found. f215, N cut--like the S strip, is fairly sterile, dark brown soil, few finds of pottery or bone. -inc 1997-06-18_H616DNSD.J dns More stones coming up in W half of k30--courtyard? Also a large pot next to stones, the pot is either buried, or could relate to a lower surface. A number of sherds as well in this aggregate, now a16. -inc 1997-06-21_H616DNSD.J dns In k30, took an overhead and section photo of stone wall, f306. Searching for f313, which is the second surface area. GB's comments--no convincing surface, not compacted just N of a16. A surface probably reached south of a16, is compacted with a loose dark brown fill below. We may have gone through the surface N of a16. In k22 f220, ab is still quite sterile. From k30, remove a16 except for the pot and a17. Pot from a16 is i204. -inc 1997-06-22_H616DNSD.J dns Final removal of f316. Mud brick bench abutting f303 to N and f306 to W is now f319. Section on E baulk, N half, being straightened/cleaned. Surface, f309 leveled to look at f313 and the section as well as at ashy deposit along E baulk, which is about 80 cm from N baulk--ash pit?--f320. Removal of f321 and stone NE of it to clear area. During removal of accumulation, f315, a pit found with many sherds and bones in SW area, extending S from a16. Pit is f322, fill in pit is f323. Surrounding accumulation removed so we could define limits of pit. Assigned a new feature number to accumulation below f315 because we have gone down at least 30 cm, new number is f324. -inc 1997-06-23_H616DNSD.J dns Finishing cut of f324 around f303, 306, 319. Want to see how far down mud brick extends. Below f314, and below accumulation under f303, we have continuation of pot smash, which is f312. The sherds are on a surface which is quite uneven, there is about a 10 cm difference in elevation. -inc 1997-06-23_H616DNSD.J dns Because a substantial amount of the cap stone of f306 protruded from the E baulk, we had to remove it. We cut into the E baulk about 50 cm, width of cut is 130cm (N-S), the top of the stone was about 70 cm below the top of the sod layer. After removing the stone, we noticed more stones extending into the E baulk. The stone wall seems to continue into the E baulk, in line with the mud brick wall, f303. -inc 1997-06-24_H616DNSD.J dns leveling of f326 and f328. Accum seems to be quite similar in both areas, mainly a grayish brown soil with patches of pinkish soil. -inc 1997-06-24_H616DNSD.J dns About 35 cm down from the top of the small trench (f330), accum changed in character, a looser dirt, which comes away in large chunks, mainly in the middle area of the trench. -inc 1997-06-16_H616RK.J rK Excavation on the first day, H616, concluded with almost all of the S strip of f215 having been removed, and the locus k30 having been cut down almost 40 cm below the surface at the E end and leveled for about 1/3 of its EW dimension. Some arrangement of large (>20cm wide) stones was encountered here, and this is being observed. There is also clearly an arrangement of bricks at the SE corner and this also is being traced. The large stones mentioned had a whitewash like coating. The bricky material is gray. f215 yielded a piece of fired pottery, resembling a spout, that had been impressed with the figure of a god prior to firing. -inc 1997-06-17_H617RK.J rk Excavation in both loci proceeded as planned for today. It k22, f215 was removed with the handpick. Only the NE half of the N strip remains of this feature. Excavation in k30 continued this am by using the large pick. Upon discovery of f306, the area around it was excavated using the handpick. Today's work exposed what appear to be a brick wall and a stone platform abutting it, within this locus. -inc 1997-06-18_H618BSH.J bsh continued removal of accumulation in f215. -inc 1997-06-19_H620RK.J rK On H618 we completed the removal of f215 and began the excavation of f220 in k22. f220 is an accumulation against the top layer of bricks in threshold f142. f215 had been a more or less sterile accumulation, finer in the middle and S of the room and more granular/sandy toward the E & N walls. In k30 we are getting a clearer idea of the outline of the brick wall (f303) and the stone wall, f306, and their relationship. Several stones and stone aggregates are found emplaced at the level reached in the W, with removal of f304. -inc 1997-06-19_H620RK.J rK k22: All of f215 has been removed. f220 has been removed in ~~~ca. 1/3 of the room, along the S. f220 is not distinct from f215. We will maintain the same speed of excavations. k30: We have uncovered and gone past the latest level of occupation so far encountered in the area--perhaps late Khabur-early Nuzi. This consisted of floor deposits associated with a mud-brick wall extending SW from the E baulk, which was abutted at a right angle by a stone wall from the N. The floor (f310) associated with these walls had a mud-brick bench, and stone aggregates on it. The E side of the stone wall seemed to have a more abundant deposit of sherds. Among the sherds collected from the stone aggregate a16 on this floor was one with crescents impressed on a ridge. Also f304 which is an accumulation on this floor (f310) yielded parts of a small bowl (q717) which has characteristic Khabur painting (2 horizontal stripes) on it. We are in the process of recovering the structures associated with this floor in order to view the foundation of the walls and to reach a lower floor. -inc 1997-06-21_H622BSH.J bsh uncovered the outline of a cylindrical oven, part of which was the brown "bricklike" patch with sherds discovered on H618. The oven was labeled accordingly: f356; its fill: f357. The continued removal of f220 uncovered various pits; the accumulation containing the pits was given a new feature number (f358). -inc 1997-06-22_H622BSH.J bsh Continued the removal of f220, as well as emptying the contents of the oven (i.e., its fill: f357), portions of which were collected.. -inc 1997-06-23_H624BSH.J bsh The E section of f220 (i.e., the strip between the excavation lines in A6) was removed. The N section also was removed. The removal of f358 (the layer of accumulation containing, e.g., pits f352 and f354) also was begun. -inc 1997-06-24_H624BSH.J bsh the morning light, in conjunction with light scraping of the section created by a small trench at the Westernmost point of f358, allowed two distinct layers of accumulation to be clearly visible. These layers were demarcated by a sharp ash-grey colored line in the cross section. Most importantly, these layers were _under_ f142, and at least one of them was higher than the original floor surface as demanded by the oven flue. The removal of f358 was continued to the E and N; a ca. 20cm balk was left around the oven during this stage of the excavation. -inc 1997-06-12_H627DNS.J dns Backfill removal began today, and should be finished by the time RK arrives, as it is fairly shallow. BWP will place new control points in k22, probably on the walls. -inc 1997-06-16_H627DNS.J dns Excavation began today in the sod layer of k30 (f301), as well as began in k22, f215. -inc 1997-06-17_H627DNS.J dns Bricks found in k30, f302, now f303--walls? burial? In SE corner of k30, we may have the corner of a building. Could it be part of a building found in A8 last year? During removal of f305, a number of large stones found. f215, N cut--like the S strip, is fairly sterile, dark brown soil, few finds of pottery or bone. -inc 1997-06-18_H627DNS.J dns More stones coming up in W half of k30--courtyard? Also a large pot next to stones, the pot is either buried, or could relate to a lower surface. A number of sherds as well in this aggregate, now a16. -inc 1997-06-21_H627DNS.J dns In k30, took an overhead and section photo of stone wall, f306. Searching for f313, which is the second surface area. GB's comments--no convincing surface, not compacted just N of a16. A surface probably reached south of a16, is compacted with a loose dark brown fill below. We may have gone through the surface N of a16. In k22 f220, ab is still quite sterile. From k30, remove a16 except for the pot and a17. Pot from a16 is i204. -inc 1997-06-22_H627DNS.J dns Final removal of f316. Mud brick bench abutting f303 to N and f306 to W is now f319. Section on E baulk, N half, being straightened/cleaned. Surface, f309 levelled to look at f313 and the section as well as at ashy deposit along E baulk, which is about 80 cm from N baulk--ash pit?--f320. Removal of f321 and stone NE of it to clear area. During removal of accumulation, f315, a pit found with many sherds and bones in SW area, extending S from a16. Pit is f322, fill in pit is f323. Surrounding accumulation removed so we could define limits of pit. Assigned a new feature number to accumulation below f315 because we have gone down at least 30 cm, new number is f324. -inc 1997-06-23_H627DNS.J dns Finishing cut of f324 around f303, 306, 319. Want to see how far down mud brick extends. Below f314, and below accumulation under f303, we have continuation of pot smash, which is f312. The sherds are on a surface which is quite uneven, there is about a 10 cm difference in elevation. -inc 1997-06-23_H627DNS.J dns Because a substantial amount of the cap stone of f306 protruded from the E baulk, we had to remove it. We cut into the E baulk about 50 cm, width of cut is 130cm (N-S), the top of the stone was about 70 cm below the top of the sod layer. After removing the stone, we noticed more stones extending into the E baulk. The stone wall seems to continue into the E baulk, in line with the mud brick wall, f303. -inc 1997-06-24_H627DNS.J dns leveling of f326 and f328. Accum seems to be quite similar in both areas, mainly a grayish brown soil with patches of pinkish soil. -inc 1997-06-24_H627DNS.J dns About 35 cm down from the top of the small trench (f330), accum changed in character, a looser dirt, which comes away in large chunks, mainly in the middle area of the trench. -inc 1997-06-24_H627RK.J rK A section that had been cut in k22, adjoining the threshold f142, starting at floor f351, was examined. On the W it revealed the two bricks of the threshold. Below the bricks was a thin ash layer & a pink-brown layer below. In the floor accumulation there was a brown band followed by a thin gray/ash band, ca. 12 cm from the surface. This was determined as the lower limit of f358 to be removed with the small pick. Aside from large chunks of carbon, and a few isolated small objects, the accum. did not contain many material artifacts. Close to the tannur, f356, the accum. was harder, so was removed with the large pick. In k30, the section trench was cut, but the sides away from the baulks waited to be straightened and cleaned. Levelling them floor suggested a floor surface closely below. We have defined this for now as a new floor surface. -inc 1997-06-25_H627RK.J rK We cut down the hard accumulation in the E 1/2 of the area (leaving ca. 80 cm from the N), using the large pick down to the level of the bottom of the trench previously dug. Although a thin ash layer was visible for a little in the E baulk (this later disappeared, on cleaning the section), no transitions were seen to the adjoining side to the N, or on the W face. The cut began at a level where the W 1/2 of the locus suggested a floor, mainly on account of the presence of ash and many sherds lying flat on the surface. The excavated volume had more than the higher levels' content of bones. Excavations in k22 brought us to a low floor, clearly a smooth, working floor. It had a layer of ash deposited on top. The floor had an ancient rodent hole E of the threshold and contained a small animal vertebra (#1, atlas). A depression to which the rodent hole opened was full of ash. The base of a conical cup was nearby. -inc 1997-06-25_H629BSH.J bsh continued the removal of f358. A large piece of kiln waste (roughly 15x10cm) was found between the oven (f356) and the Northern wall (f78). A large bone was found just W of the oven, it was itemized and photographed. To the NE of the oven, a semi-intact small ceramic container was found, substance of an ashlike consistency and color was found in and outside the container, a sample was taken (i279). Removal of f358 to the W yielded the discovery of a floor surface near the Western threshold, a new feature number was assigned to this floor (f364). Not all of f358 had been removed nor subjected to the first cut; accordingly, a second cut was begun with the intention of uncovering f364. Where f358 had not yet been touched, the first cut was extended from its original depth to reach f364. -inc 1997-06-26_H629BSH.J bsh continued to follow f364, primarily the second cut. Watching a pickman working to the E (starting to the far W near the Western threshold), I noticed that a ca. 2cm layer of dirt would separate from the rest of the soil leaving a smooth horizontal surface coated with a thin layer of ash-grey material with scattered patches of dark brown. The surface was given a new feature number (f365) and followed; the further pursuit of f364 was postponed. Another workman picked in the Northern area. When I returned from Qamishli, a layer of material composed of white strips had been discovered and partially uncovered. It was assigned a feature number (f368) by DNS. Samples and photos were taken of the layer, one set of photos showed its proximity to the oven. -inc 1997-06-28_H629BSH.J bsh to the E, between the excavation lines, a new feature was declared for the layer of accumulation directly under f358, this feature (f372) was defined as beginning at the lowest point of the carbon strip (f359) of which a sample was taken. f358 was fully removed in the Eastern section of the square (between the excavation lines). The continued uncovering of f365 (i.e., removal of f372) to the W led to further discoveries and complications. Another floor surface was discovered by pickwork above f365 to the W of the oven, and assigned a new feature number (f369). At this point, all extent floor surfaces and accumulations between them were sketched for easy reference, they appear as follows from the lowest to uppermost known layer: f370 (fl with gypsum coating); f371 (ac covering f370); f364 (fl covering f371); f367 (ac covering f364); f365 (fl covering f367); f366 (ac covering f365); f369 (fl covering f366); f368 (uk [white matted material] overlaying f369); f372 (ac covering f368 and f369); f358 (ac covering f372). (Elevations were taken for all fl surfaces, although it must be noted that the surfaces are rather uneven and so a given floor does not have the same elevation throughout its surface.) A minimal portion of f369 was uncovered for identification purposes. Continued removal of f366 to the S revealed a floor surface above f365. Following this new surface revealed a number of sherds lying horizontally (one of the sherds contains the bottom and rim of a bowl, allowing its complete reconstruction by a 360 degree rotation), a large set of teeth, the corner of a brick, and an overturned intact conical cup just below this surface. Intermixed with these items were patches of material identical to f368 as well as large patches of ash. These items were left in the ground as f365 was followed to the S wall (f200). -inc 1997-06-29_H629BSH.J bsh the continued uncovering of f365 yielded an interesting find. Working to the N (approximately 100cm to the W of the center of the room) a pickman working to the N was led by the floor and, descending, was turned back to the point at which he started but ca. 10cm lower (the path is best illustrated by a car following one of four exits on an interstate clover leaf). The point at which his path ended was on the surface of f364. Given that a portion of f364 had already been uncovered to the W of this point, the resulting pattern resembled a "w". The top of the middle peak was marked by a clear interface: the presumed f365 (to the N) was a reddish brown, f364 (to the S) was a light grey color. The interface was photographed, the brown portion was assigned a new feature number (f373). The second pickman continued the removal of the new surface to the S (possibly the Southern section of f369), which was marked by a smooth ash-grey surface. Next, one pickman removed the interface (i.e., followed f364), while the other followed the extent portion of f369 up to f368. The following of f364 required the removal of f373, which became differentiated from f367 as picking progressed to the N. A spot (ca. 15x15cm) of gypsum was uncovered near the center of the room (W of the oven). A small pit was revealed roughly 20cm from the flue to the W. Work to the N stopped just shy of f368, where a section was left in stages showing both vertical and horizontal components of f368, f365, and f364 and their respective accumulations. -inc 1997-06-28_H629DNSD.J dns Trench in SE area. Top half of trench is f332, until ash layer reached, about halfway down, then feature number changes to f333. -inc 1997-06-29_H629DNSD.J dns Possibly another pit in NE corner -inc 1997-06-30_H701BSH.J bsh f364 was followed near the center of the room. S of center, the accumulation removed was ashlike in color, to the N of center it was brown (samples were taken of each for comparitive analysis). In some spots, small bricklike deposits were encountered. The accumulation removed just S of the oven was identical to that of .290. The hole near the flue was further uncovered, and followed. Appearing to be a rodent hole, it was assigned a feature number (f374) and a sample was taken of its contents (.293). The limits of this feature were followed. f374 led from the approximate point of the oven flue to another hiterto undiscovered object ca. 60cm from the extent edge of the oven. The new object was assigned a feature number (f376), its definition remains unclear. A cavity clearly identifiable as a rodent hole was discovered near the NW corner of the excavation area (i.e., the N end of the W threshold) and given a feature number (f375). Microfauna was found among the sherds and cups earlier discovered near the Southern limit of the excavation area of k22. -inc 1997-07-01_H701BSH.J bsh removal of f372/366/367 (i.e., pursuit of f364) was continued between the excavation lines in the Eastern quadrant. The floor surface was not so clearly defined and, at points, it appeared that another floor surface was being removed during this deep cut. A cup, nearly fully intact, was discovered near the SE corner of this area and itemized accordingly. A small portion of f372 remains in this section of the working area. -inc 1997-06-30_H704DNSD.J dns removal of part of S baulk. Straightenig of E baulk. Part of a blade came from straightening of E baulk. -inc 1997-07-03_H704DNSD.J dns ac in k30 a fairly fine brown soil. A strip in the center of square is a grey colored ac. Bottom of f339, top of wall? ac peeling off in large chunks. -inc 1997-07-05_H708DNSD.J dns changed f403 of H705 to f405, a distinct difference in soil color,, pinkish brown vs. gray. Bricky mass showing up along N baulk. Slag and tannur wall pieces coming up around pit in f 405. -inc 1997-07-07_H708DNSD.J dns f343, no wall apparent, so removing it, considering it a pavement. -inc 1997-06-29_H708RK.J rK Work in both areas of A6 has been proceeding well. In k22, the identification and careful excavation of the floor accumulation has stressed clarification and detail, so, has been proceeding a little slowly, albeit quite satisfactorily. For the greater part of today, only two experienced pickmen worked on that floor. Some questions concerning the relationship of floors have been answered. In k30, the work proceeded at a faster pace than previously, in excavating dirt. We have reached low enough in the locus to require more steps cut in the baulk or a ladder, to facilitate entry and exit. The baulks still remain, but the protective baulk on the S shall be partially removed, perhaps as early as H630. The surface of k30 is more or less flat now--at a level ca. 16cm below the base of the tannur found in it. -inc 1997-07-02_H708RK.J rK Opened up a new locus, k31, paralleling somewhat k30 to the S. We began by leveling the top surface since at the S limit of the locus included a narrow strip of the section left. That was cut down. -inc 1997-07-07_H726RK2.J rK The S baulk of locus, k30, and the N baulk of locus, k31, were removed today. They were removed by strata--more or less. ; A6-introduction -inc 1992-07-05_C7-1-D.J rK we currently have 6 squares open. 3 of them are past topsoil, into the level of hard ac or brickfall (k167-169), the other 3 are new from which all topsoil has not yet been removed. rK and sT have primary responsibility to supervise work in this area. -inc 1997-06-12_H616DNSD.J dns Excavations in area A6 will take place in two squares, k22 and k30. In k22, excavations ended last year in the accumulation above the floor, and the expectation is that we will find a number of sealings near the floor surface, to mirror the finds in room B1. Excavation in k30 should help to articulate the extent of building AK to the E. The orientation for the new squares is now parallel with the walls of AK rather than continuing with the AS orientation (the step trench), which was slightly oblique to the walls of AK. -inc 1997-06-12_H627DNS.J dns Excavations in area A6 will take place in two squares, k22 and k30. In k22, excavations ended last year in the accumulation above the floor, and the expectation is that we will find a number of sealings near the floor surface, to mirror the finds in room B1. Excavation in k30 should help to articulate the extent of building AK to the E. The orientation for the new squares is now parallel with hte walls of AK rather than continuing with the AS orientation (the step trench), which was slightly oblique to the walls of AK. -inc 1997-07-02_H708RK.J rK The top of this area (k31) had been excavated during MZ9 as area A8. The excavated depth was close to the sod layer at the W, but almost a meter below the surface at the E. ; A6-labeling -inc 1992-07-01_C7-1-D.J RK As of C704, notes for everything in k167,168,169,217,218,219 will be maintained in book A6. rK and sT have been assigned to maintain this book. -inc 1996-07-04_G705RK.J rk The same (q) lot number is to be assigned to the pottery and bone from the same stratum with a p or b following the number (until the bag is full). We have been assigning separate numbers until now. Change effective with q348. -inc 1997-06-27_H627RK.J rK We have placed feature tags in several places to identify accumulation, wall etc. in both loci. Over the next few days, we shall do as completely as is feasible. RK will tag the MZ9 features seen on section to the E of k22, at the NE. ; A6-marker -inc 1997-06-29_H703RK.J rK marker m1702 is loose & off. -inc 1997-07-17_H726RK2.J dns Relay r815, given label m1750 by the surveyor, is now lost. It had not been surveyed before being accidentally pulled out. -inc 1997-07-27_H728RK1.J rK All of the elevations taken from k22, and those from k30 toward the end of the excavations, which used elevation marker m1659 should add 54 to the readings. This was because of discrepancy in the number used for calibrating the pole: 82.607 (8261) had been read as 82.067 (8207). The problem was noticed by the excavators (bsh & rk) in using an elevation marker set up near A10, and the surveyor kindly double checked (elevation of marker on H617 = 8261; on H723 = 8260) and clarified the source of the discrepancy. This requires the addition of the number to all measurements prior to H724. The pole was not in fact used after that date. This affects only elevations read directly off that pole and does not affect those computed by the system using the marker tags. ; A6-procedures -inc 1997-06-16_H616RK.J rK k30 was cleared of surface deposits and excavation begun with the removal of the sod layer (ca. 5cm from the surface). In k22, excavation began with the removal of accumulation f215 on the S. 3 workmen using the handpick were assigned to the latter and 2 men digging with the large pick were carrying out the former. As regards the field notebook, the following numbers begin our entries for the current season: k30, v100, f301, q700, r600, and i180. -inc 1997-06-17_H616RK.J rK We have decided to tag the pottery lots from the low floor levels (f215 and earlier deposits) with a white ribbon instead of the pink generally used for this purpose, to facilitate their identification and processing in the house during this season itself. ; A6-staff -inc 1992-07-04_C7-1-D.J rK sT is recovering from illness and worked at home today. -inc 1992-07-05_C7-1-D.J rK sT back on field -inc 1992-07-05_C7-1-D.J rK sT worked on objects processing at home after the morning break. -inc 1992-07-06_C7-1-D.J rK rK on site along with Apo Panossian (aP) -inc 1992-07-11_C7-3.J rK Gabe Pesce (gP) was with rK on the A6 field -inc 1992-07-14_C7-3.J RK In addition RK, ST was in area part of the time excavating i10, and GVP as well. -inc 1992-07-11_C7-3.J rK Gabe Pesce (gP) was with rK on the A6 field -inc 1992-07-14_C7-3.J RK In addition RK, ST was in area part of the time excavating i10, and GVP as well. -inc 1996-07-07_G709RK.J rK jm and rs practiced use of the handpick on the floor of k169 where the section is being extended Nward. -inc 1996-07-20_G720RK.J rK Fieldwork in A6 today was supervised by jO & jM; rK wasn't well and worked part of the time at the house. -inc 1997-06-15_H616DNSD.J dns A6 team meeting. We went over the basics of filling in log info as well as writing out tags for the q lots and items. RK defined the basic terminology as it is used at Tell Mozan--feature, locus, q-item vs item, as well as went over info about when triagulations and elevations are taken. -inc 1997-06-15_H616RK.J rK A6 excavation this season will be assisted by Diep Shoemaker (dns) and Benjamin Studevent-Hickman (bsh). -inc 1997-06-15_H627DNS.J dns A6 team meeting. We went over the basics of filling in log info as well as writing out tags for the q lots and items. RK defined the basic terminology as it is used at Tell Mozan--feature, locus, q-item vs item, as well as went over info about when triagulations and elelvations are taken. -inc 1997-06-25_H627RK.J rK DNS practiced picking along with BSH in k22 (f358). rK went over some practical aspects of coding journal entries with bsh. -inc 1997-06-26_H627RK.J rK RK covered the following points with DNS and BSH. (1) Need for precise descriptions, especially of features. (2) Use of a [accumulation] and f [floor] subcategories [aa-ad; fa-fd], once these can be determined. (3) Useful categories under "incidentals" for journal entry: -dy, -mt, -sg, -sn, -sr, and -su [Manual, p. 17]. (4) Depositional verbs [p. 17]. (5) encoding for pottery, overall shape [p. 18]. (6) The need to make strata assignments and to articulate stratigraphy related arguments. (7) Q-lots; filling in the slot for location. (8) View descriptions as part of the journal. We have been fairly successful in processing items regularly so that there is no backlog in any real sense. Files too have been entered regularly. -inc 1997-06-27_H627RK.J rK RK and DNS visited k22 to examine stratigraphic matters related to the floors. -inc 1997-06-28_H630RK.J rK Discussed with DNS procedures for continuing the excavation in k30--removing the rest of the bricky mass, f337, straightening out the W section of the E cut, excavating the "floor" f331. In k22, discussed with BSH as well as the pick men Ibrahim Hallo and Abdul Karim, the situation with the floors there. GB was consulted. -inc 1997-07-08_H726RK2.J rK bsh will leave work in areas under book A6 and join A7 starting H712. -inc 1997-07-19_H726RK2.J dns bsh has been working in A7 since H712. dns returned to the U.S. on H718. They both participated earnestly in the excavation of the A6 area this season. bsh managed excavations in k22, at the floor level, and in on site photography for all of area A6. dns contributed significantly in excavating k30 and 31. -inc 1997-07-23_H726RK2.J dns bsh returned to A6 for the three days remaining before he would leave the expedition. ; A6-strategy -inc 1992-07-05_C7-1-D.J sT our strategy for today is to remove the topsoil from k217,218,219; to reach the ac layers underneath and, we hope, to expose any wall if they exist, as we go down. We are using the big pick in these three areas to remove th topsoil. We are not collecting bones from the topsoil. In k168, we are removing f17 layer by layer, so that we can expose the rabbeting wall to the N. The workmen are using small picks in k168. In k169, we are removing f18, the ac level below f6, with the small pick. -inc 1992-07-05_C7-1-D.J rK our strategy has to take into consideration the number of workmen and tools available along with the need to analyze the current strata of some loci better before proceeding with much more work there. -- [A] Since k217-219 are being opened for excavation, removal of topsoil there has priority and can be carried with minimal supervision. Currently k217 has been cut into 2 steps since it is on EW downward slope of the tell. The upper (E) half will be made level (the SE quadrant has not been lowered yet) and then soil will be removed for another 30cm throughout (barring unexpected finds). -- [B] It seems to us that further excavation in k167 can help us answer some important questions such as: (1) if the rabbeted face of brick is one side of a doorway, what does it open into? (2) is there a room N of k167 or is what we have the outer wall? note: k117 N of the wall f78 did not contain any significant cultural artifacts, ac, floor, etc. (3) wall A6f16 is >2m broad so that it could very well be an outer wall; (4) digging further down might help us to see if the flat rock, with brick below it, in the NE corner of k167 is part of a structure. So we shall consult with GB about digging down in f5. Perhaps one or two workmen can be assigned here to dig with the small pick. -- [C] The floors of k168,169 need to be scraped, scored before further excavation. -- [D] The remaining workmen shall be assigned to k218 to remove topsoil until k219 is scraped and studied. -inc 1992-07-09_C7-1-D.J rK we have two major priorities today. One is to go down in k168 & the associcated closet fast to the level of A1f113. The other is to determine with certainty the face of the wall in k217. So 2 workmen are digging f017 with the large pick. 2 workmen are also digging with the handpick in f023 to expose the faces of the wall. In k217 the main goal is to go the lower levels, barring surprises. -inc 1992-07-11_C7-3.J rK as previous; specific details to be reviewed with GB. -inc 1992-07-11_C7-3.J rK We shall have the sections of the baulks between k168 & 218 and k168 & 169 drawn first so that these can be removed (to open doorway between the latter pair of loci and to examine the burnt bricks in the first baulk for seals) in keeping with the overall goals for the excavation this season. -inc 1992-07-12_C7-3.J rK We will not excavate in A6 today. The workers have been assigned to other jobs. This was necessary to catch up on feature tagging, record keeping, photography of area and for RK to discuss these along with findings and stratigraphy with gB. We plan to have a global record generated today which will tell us where the gaps are in the written journal and logs if any exist. RK will also follow up to account for all the items in A6. -inc 1992-07-14_C7-3.J RK will open new square k170 (only partially excavated in the previous season); otherwise, as previous. -inc 1992-07-15_C7-3.J RK work will proceed as before in a1, k168,169,170 and 217. The remainder of the pedestal in k168 (E of f20, to the same height), will be removed today. -inc 1992-07-18_C7-3.J RK We haved decided not to go down in a1/k168/k169 lower than the lowest level now reached. All of the floors will be brought to the same level. This is because of the impracticality of excavating the layer corresponding to A1f113 since we are still about 50 cm away from it in k168 and a gypsum floor most likely intervenes. We shall concentrate most of our energies at this point to define all the walls and doorways within the 7 loci. -inc 1992-07-21_C7-3.J RK remove lone baulk consisting of wadi accumulation to the W of k170, barring pedestal for the elevation pole and marker -- dig in well, f66, 20 cm to see if brick is present along the circumference -- excavate to the white coated floor in k168 -- trace the outline of the wall f16 along its E, to the level of the stone -inc 1992-07-21_C7-3.J RK for C722 remove N baulk of k171; define wall outline better; level floor -inc 1992-07-26_C7-3.J RK backfill k217 at the conclusion of MZ7 consisted of several steps, mainly on account of graves that we did not have adequate time to excavate. The details of the locus are noted under k217. The walls and step were covered well with plastic before applying backfill. -inc 1992-07-11_C7-3.J rK as previous; specific details to be reviewed with GB. -inc 1992-07-11_C7-3.J rK We shall have the sections of the baulks between k168 & 218 and k168 & 169 drawn first so that these can be removed (to open doorway between the latter pair of loci and to examine the burnt bricks in the first baulk for seals) in keeping with the overall goals for the excavation this season. -inc 1992-07-12_C7-3.J rK We will not excavate in A6 today. The workers have been assigned to other jobs. This was necessary to catch up on feature tagging, record keeping, photography of area and for RK to discuss these along with findings and stratigraphy with gB. We plan to have a global record generated today which will tell us where the gaps are in the written journal and logs if any exist. RK will also follow up to account for all the items in A6. -inc 1992-07-14_C7-3.J RK will open new square k170 (only partially excavated in the previous season); otherwise, as previous. -inc 1992-07-15_C7-3.J RK work will proceed as before in a1, k168,169,170 and 217. The remainder of the pedestal in k168 (E of f20, to the same height), will be removed today. -inc 1992-07-18_C7-3.J RK We haved decided not to go down in a1/k168/k169 lower than the lowest level now reached. All of the floors will be brought to the same level. This is because of the impracticality of excavating the layer corresponding to A1f113 since we are still about 50 cm away from it in k168 and a gypsum floor most likely intervenes. We shall concentrate most of our energies at this point to define all the walls and doorways within the 7 loci. -inc 1992-07-21_C7-3.J RK remove lone baulk consisting of wadi accumulation to the W of k170, barring pedestal for the elevation pole and marker -- dig in well, f66, 20 cm to see if brick is present along the circumference -- excavate to the white coated floor in k168 -- trace the outline of the wall f16 along its E, to the level of the stone -inc 1992-07-21_C7-3.J RK for C722 remove N baulk of k171; define wall outline better; level floor -inc 1992-07-26_C7-3.J RK backfill k217 at the conclusion of MZ7 consisted of several steps, mainly on account of graves that we did not have adequate time to excavate. The details of the locus are noted under k217. The walls and step were covered well with plastic before applying backfill. -inc 1996-07-03_G703RK.J rK Our plan for today, the first day of excavations this season, is 3-part: in k168, two or 3 workmen shall be assigned to remove the floor deposits carefully using small picks; in k217, what remains of the human burial a11 (=f25) will be excavated so as to remove the unexcavated earth on top of wall f78; in k218, the object detected upon removal of backfill and dusting shall be retrieved and the terrace along the E border will be systematically removed to bring everything to the same level in the locus. -inc 1996-07-05_G705RK.J rk Our strategy for G706. [1] As regards the main floor of interest, f101, in k168, we shall pursue the following strategy. Comparing absolute elevations on G704 showed us that most of this floor is about 30 cm above the bottom of f137 in A1 (the floor that yielded most of the sealings). The portions so far excavated in k168 during this season have been cut 10-20 cm from this level. So rather than cut into this in search of the floor of interest, we shall proceed as follows. The small section cut in the doorway opening from W into k169 shall be extended past the doorway from k169 to k168. This should yield both a N and E section of what is present. If the section shows stratification, it shall be removed layer by layer. [2] In k218, we shall begin by first removing the "handiron", f104. It shall be renamed as an item. Prior to removal, it shall be triangulated and given axial definition. This is also meant to be a practical exercise for jm and rs. Once this is done, we shall assign 3 pickmen here with support crew to rapidly cut down the E terrace. The ac below this floor has already been assigned a new feature number. We shall scrape the side of the E terrace to view again any stratification present. Once the entire floor of k218 is level, we shall remove the W. baulk (i.e, E baulk of k168) and then proceed systematically to remove the strata. A section is preserved for us on the E border of k168 which is well below this square. [3] The strategy for k217 is as before to remove most of the platform on the wall, leaving only a section for documentation. -inc 1996-07-13_G718RK.J rK Work resumed in all 3 loci today although in k217 just one pickman has been assigned to expose the N face of the wall, f78. Then this is done sufficiently to establish the limits, we will confine the excavation to the S side of the wall. The construction + ac on f78 remains as an 80 x 140 pedestal and will be removed. The S. side of f78 will be excavated as a single floor with the k218 area once k218 is brought down to its level. In k168, the excavation continues as removal of the top 1/3 of the ac f128. -inc 1996-07-15_G720RK.J rK We shall continue to remove the rest of f158. The bottom of pit f299 has not been reached contrary to our surmise yesterday. So it shall be excavated further. Also the sides of f29 shall be checked for brick or other lining. We have been following the section in the N in removing f158. Once this is done over the entirety of the locus, we shall scrape and observe in order to proceed. In k168,169, detailed photographs were taken to show strata and contacts with walls. Any wadi deposit adjacent to the section shall completely removed before proceeding to remove f115. -inc 1996-07-18_G720RK.J rK [1] Verification of relay accuracy and markers. [2] Excavation of k218: f166--no clear distinction between f160 and f166. Both had packed red dirt. Relatively few objects or features are present in them. The retrieval of 2 nice looking seal impressions from about 30 cm below the top of f166 made us more cautious in the excavation of this accumulation. A 170 x 100 cm section on the N face is being cut at the NW corner of this locus. The limits of this section was triangulated. -inc 1996-07-18_G720RK.J rK We shall cut the NW section while continuing to excavate f166 in parts of the locus. The main concern is to look for any evidence of floors. The lower level of f166 is close to (but still above) the bottom of f299 which had a floor. If we cannot find a floor in section we shall remove f166 to the current depth cut and then proceed from the floor level of f29. -inc 1996-07-20_G720RK.J rK In k218 we shall remove the lowest level of k166 another 5 cm, till the gray changes to red. This will be advanced S.ward as far as the section cut in the NW corner. Then new feature numbers will be assigned to the strata below and we will cut a uniform section EW to draw. This might require digging on the parts of the current surface of k217 to a uniform level, S of f78. The last 5 cm of f116 are to be removed with the small pick. If this does not yield anything significant, we will remove hard red ac with the large picks. -inc 1996-07-22_G801RK.J rK Our current strategy in k21 is to lower the entire square to approx. 320 cm W of f78 uniformly, clarify the section to the S, draw it, and excavate to that depth at least as far S as the S limit of A8 now being excavated. If time permits we shall excavate all of k21. Otherwise, we shall maintain the same S limit as A8 and seek to reach the original floors. -inc 1996-07-23_G801RK.J rK Remove backfill in k169. Section @ N of k218 being completed. Thereafter we will go down in k21 with the large pick. -inc 1996-07-24_G803RK.J rK finish section of k218N which was mostlyy done on G723. k218 S being levelled to be cut down with the large pick. We have 4 pickmen on the lower part of k21 in f177 digging Eward with the handpick. In k219 the excavation has begun. -inc 1996-07-30_G806RK.J rK In k21, once the locus is level we shall advance a section from the W by cutting in 20 cm Eward to the depth of 30-35 cm that exists between the bottom of f177 and the top of the brick platform f142 in the N-S doorway a14. -inc 1996-08-05_G806RK.J rK We formerly cleared all of f177 and f211 has been cut down once throughout the locus. A strip across the middle of the locus went also through a second cut which removed all of what we shall call f211. The accumulation below sitting on a floor at the level of f142 shall be labelled f215. We shall remove all of the f211 that remains and advance f215 first as a cut, to the exposed width of the wall f210, going from W to E toward it. A little bit of the accumulation has been left at the W end of f78, by the doorway, because it had a lot of ash and evidence of burning activity. This shall likewise be removed after we photograph it. -inc 1997-06-17_H616DNSD.J dns white tags to be used for pottery in k22, for easy identification by MKB for analysis this year. -inc 1997-06-16_H616RK.J rK We have two major goal to focus on for the season MZ10. (1) The excavation the low-floor deposits in sector D. This was begun during MZ9. At the end of that season, the floor was left cut at two levels. Accumulation f215 existed along the N and S borders of the room and it was removed in a rectangular strip EW along the middle exposing a lower layer, f220. We shall begin by removing the rest of f215 and then excavting f220, as part of the effort to recover the floor deposits. (2) The NE corner of the sector has an unexcavated area, less than 4m x 4m. Our second goal this season is to excavate this at least to the level of the walls of the building AK. This unexcavated locus should preserve the kind of stratigraphy we encountered in k217 during MZ7 and also preserve the secondary wall (f44) that was found built over the wall f78 of the AK building. Systematic removal of these deposits down to the levels of the AK building walls should answer several questions such as: (i) Do walls f78 and f210 meet? and how? (ii) Is there a doorway to the E through f210 in this area? We would also be able to review the stratigraphy of the second millennium deposits in this area. -inc 1997-06-17_H616RK.J rK We continue excavation in both loci in A6 with the intention of completing the removal of f215 in k22 today, and going further down and leveling the surface in k30. Excavation in k30 will also trace whether the bricks found are part of any structure and whether the stones seen are also arranged (perhaps over a pit). Since the two loci are quite separate because of the difference in elevation, dns and bsh will give more attention to one or the other area. -inc 1997-06-19_H620RK.J rK For the week starting H621: (1) Excavate deposits abutting f306, to the N and E. (2) Excavate the deposits abutting f303 to the SE. (3) Clarify the foundation of the stone wall to see whether it is associated with both the floor f310 and the lower floor f313. (4) Remove deposits on floor f313 to clarify the foundation of the brick wall f303. (5)When we are able to clearly associate the walls with their original strata, we shall remove them to excavate the earlier levels. -inc 1997-06-17_H627DNS.J dns white tage to be used for pottery in k22, for easy identification by MKB for analysis this year. -inc 1997-06-25_H627RK.J rK We shall continue excavation of f358 in the room D2 (k22). four pickmen shall work there with the small pick. In k30, we will look at the section before determining the next action. -inc 1997-06-25_H629BSH.J bsh the plan is to follow f364, uncovering it with the continued removal of f358 (first and second cuts). -inc 1997-06-26_H629BSH.J bsh postpone any further uncovering of f368 until the oven is more exposed and the floor surfaces are better defined. The present itinerary is to continue following f365. -inc 1997-06-28_H629BSH.J bsh continued pursuit of f365. The sherd section is to be left--the dirt throughout this area is to be removed and the items left in place in order to see how they are arranged. Photographs will be taken of these items and their proximity to each other as soon as possible as the risk of damaging them (e.g., by stepping on them) is high. -inc 1997-06-28_H630RK.J rK In discussion GB suggested that when removing the accumulation at the SW corner of the room (k22), we should check if the ash layer goes all the way to the wall, or to a layer of plaster (this would allow verification of the existence of plater on the wall which we have found on f78 to the N). -inc 1997-07-01_H701BSH.J bsh the floor surface removed in pursuit of f364 should be left for the remaining removal of f372 and followed W by NW around the oven to see if in fact it is to be identified with f369. -inc 1997-06-29_H708RK.J rK For the rest of this week: (1) k30-- goals: (a) improve access to the working area in the locus by cutting more steps. (b) Remove the S baulk, leaving only enough t prevent spillage of excavated earth to the floor below. (c) Remove the tannur and the associated red "brick". (d) Complete the physical tagging of features. (e) Straighten out the E section (which is at this point somewhat crooked). (f) Begin the drawing of the E section. (g) Draw the E face of the W section. (h) Lower the floor by 100 cm. (2) k22--Here we will continue removal of the floor surface to reveal any structures or paths of use. Ultimately we want to expose the gypsum floor. ; A6-summary -inc 1997-06-27_H627RK.J rK Excavation in A6 began on H616. We have had ten days of excavation in the two connected areas pertaining to this book at the end of this work week yesterday, H626. Significant progress has been made in both areas. At the floor level of the room D2, which we have been excavating as locus k22, it is quite possible that we have come to the original floor of the AK building in this room. This was encountered as an uneven but well packed and smooth ash-covered floor that meets the threshold of the doorway to the W, f142, at the level of the second of the two layers of its bricks. We have a clearer picture of the use of the room, perhaps even the section of the larger building from the discovery of the tannur at this level. There are many questions as yet unanswered, such as whether the room was indeed a room or a courtyard, whether it was in fact a cooking area or kitchen, etc. However, the findings explain the lack of similarity with the area A1, in spite of the architecture. There the symmetrically laid out rooms which have been interpreted as being the storehouse had original floors which yielded a wealth of information through seal impressions. We have had very little of that so far, even on the original floors in room k25, to the W of k22, which provides access to the vault a1. If this was an outdoor area, or a kitchen, there is no reason to expect the floor to have been littered with sealings or for those to have been preserved. We continue the excavation of this room excavating floor deposits, identifying floor surfaces and clarifying stratraphic contact relationships. In the NE corner of the room which is locus 30, we are still above the walls of the AK building or even the secondary walls built over them, if present. We have cut down the Eastern limit of that locus to a depth of approx. 2.5m. It would appear that we have passed the earliest phase of occupation and its floors in this area and are going through the floors of the next phase at the present time. The latter have been excavated in less than 1/2 of the locus at this time and should be clarified and removed in the coming week. We should be able to pass through the intermediate phases of earlier 2nd millennium occupation in this locus so as to reach the top of the AK building walls in the next two weeks. -inc 1997-07-19_H726RK2.J dns We are now come to the final week of excavations. The work has progressed well so far, and we have met the preliminary goal of coming down to the top of the AK building walls in k30 and k31, although we are not yet to the floor of the building as hoped for. That goal is still within reach before the excavations should end this season. So far, we have succeeded, in addition to adding to the details of stratigraphy, in improving our sense of the building's architecture. The walls f200 and 210 meet and f210 which runs N-S makes a corner there and continues Eastward (the two walls are distinguishable by higher courses of stone in f210, where f200 [& f78] have brick). The southward continuation of f210/430 is yet to be found, but otherwise the continuation of the two walls is clear. The surprise element cme in the fact that the E continuation of f200 resembles the construction of f210. Also the upper layers of the wall that seems secondary is also present in the E-W direction. At the N end of the locus k30, the walls f78/444 and wall f210/430 appear to meet and continue both Eward and Nward, but we are clarifying this. Two burials have been excavated, in fact today. One was a simple grave, partially excavated previously; the other was a brick-walled tomb with an incomplete skeleton, two jars and a bronze arrow. Also it appears that in the SE corner of room D1 (of the AK building), there was some kind of a structure of brick and mud, adjoining the stone walls. This is intriguing, to say the least. Our strategy for the final weeks to otbain the limits of the room D1 at the floor level and to clarify the corner of the wallss at the SE and NE junction. ; A6-weather -inc 1992-07-11_C7-3.J rK It was quite windy and chilly this morning which probably accounts for the absence of a few workers. -inc 1992-07-11_C7-3.J rK It was quite windy and chilly this morning which probably accounts for the absence of a few workers. ; A6-workmen -inc 1992-07-04_C7-1-D.J rK today's operation in A6 involved 6 pickmen (3 large, 3 small) and 9 supporting hands -inc 1992-07-05_C7-1-D.J rK we had several more workmen today than yesterday that excavation could be carried on to some degree in all 6 loci: 5 large picks, 4 small picks + support. -inc 1992-07-13_C7-3.J rK In spite of the availability of several pickmen from A5, we had a suffiecient crew only to work in 4 squares. This is partly due to the fact that operation in k168 is more intense (3 pickmen + 1 for the closet a1). -inc 1992-07-13_C7-3.J rK In spite of the availability of several pickmen from A5, we had a suffiecient crew only to work in 4 squares. This is partly due to the fact that operation in k168 is more intense (3 pickmen + 1 for the closet a1). -inc 1996-07-11_G716RK.J rK Two pickmen and 3 supporting hands are jon loan to A7 until the baulk between k217 and k218 is removed and it is safe to work in k217. It is impossible to keep stones and dirt from falling about 2 meters down into that locus. -inc 1996-07-15_G720RK.J rK Since A8 is not excavating today, some of the workmen were assigned to clean up and straighten out the AK area: remove shrubs, stones; cover exposed brick walls with burlap, etc. -inc 1997-06-19_H620RK.J rK One workman from Mozan village who was not feeling well was sent home. -inc 1997-06-23_H624BSH.J bsh rK added Ahmed to the crew in the lower level; various times required additional dirt carriers (one or two) in conjunction with times when large picks were deemed necessary. -inc 1997-06-24_H624BSH.J bsh rK added another workman (Ahmed) was added to the lower level for today. Also, large portions of barren accumulation merited ad hoc applications of large picks; accordingly, one or two additional dirt carriers were added as needed. -inc 1997-06-25_H629BSH.J bsh four pickmen and dirt carriers were present, two pickmen worked to the N, and two to the S. -inc 1997-06-26_H629BSH.J bsh one pickman did not show up and needed to be replaced. GB indicated at dinner that he had quit. I was absent for most of the afternoon shift, being in Qamishli. -inc 1997-06-28_H629BSH.J bsh at various points, two pickmen and three dirt carriers were removed (leaving two pickmen and one dirt carrier) and appropriated in k30 as needed. At day's end, two pickmen and one dirt carrier were left. -inc 1997-06-29_H629BSH.J bsh two pickmen worked throughout the day, one dirt carrier was used primarily, another was added as needed. -inc 1997-06-30_H701BSH.J bsh two pickmen and one dirt carrier composed the workforce for k22. Another dirt carrier was appropriated from k30 as needed. -inc 1997-07-01_H701BSH.J bsh I was absent from 8a to 12p. -inc 1997-07-02_H702BSH.J bsh two pickmen and two dirt carriers were used throughout the day. -inc 1997-07-05_H705BSH.J bsh one pickman and one dirt carrier joined the crew of k22 creating a total of three and two respectively. After breakfast, one pickman had to remove himself for the day due to illness. -inc 1997-07-06_H707BSH.J bsh the sick pickman returned; returning the total to three pickman and two dirt carriers