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Date |
Author |
Record |
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2005-08-01 |
jw |
To answer the questions about the nature of the material contained by the wall we need to select a small section along the perimeter and excavate towards the temple at the center. In this case we have assumed control of three squares running E-W, that were begun last season as loci J2k33, J2k43, and J2k53 and ended before the wall top was found. The new designations for us are k1, k11, and k21 respectively. As these are excavated further, we expect to encounter the outside (south) top and face of the wall which runs E-W at at this point. Two new loci will be initiated, k12 and k13, which run N-S starting from the N baulk of k11. In these squares we expect to encounter the top, interior face (north) and material in the mound contained by the wall. Although area supervisors look at all pottery in the field, pottery from q-lots is generally not immediately processed in the laboratory except in special circumstances. This season, we will designate a small locus from which pottery will be immediately analyzed. This will be particularly valuable in guiding stratigraphic decisions and analysis in the field. [Input: P801JW.j]
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2005-08-11 |
jW |
Tomorrow, P814, we will thoroughly clean the entire locus k12, and inspect it carefully to see if we can find evidence of the wall, f11, top and the material confined behind it to the north. Then we will meet with gB and faB to determine whether to dig more here or to move further to the north to excavate the topological column, which we expect to provide key evidence of how the wall was built. [Input: P813JW.j]
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2005-08-14 |
jW |
In a morning meeting on site with gB, mKB, faB, jO, jW and the unit staff, we discussed the placement and excavation of the topological excavation locus that will explore how the monumental wall, f11, was built. We will determine this by excavating in a limited locus behind and below the elevation of the north face of the wall. Previously, we had planned to excavate a two by two meter locus, k100, located midway along the S baulk of k13. However, in light of what we have found out about the probable location of the N wall face, it is more time-efficient and just as likely to resolve the issue if we move the topological sounding to the N baulk of k12. This will yield the same volume of material as k100 would have, and with this new arrangement the elevator can be used to expedite removal as we continue to explore the characteristics of the wall in k12. We will sift all soil from this locus and will save all soil from below the present elevation of laminations, f38, for use as backfill. [Input: P814JW.j]
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2005-08-14 |
jW |
In a general meeting on-site gB passed on a suggestion from vvE that we explore how and when the apron, f10, was built. It was presented as a plan to undercut some of the stones at the W end of the apron and analyze the material to date the time of construction. Afterwards, jW and vvE discussed further this idea, and it was agreed that the stones must not be undercut. Ideally we should dig behind a known midsection region of the apron, and examine the section. jW will examine the E baulk of k12 for information and, in fact, the B6 excavations included such a probe, but neither jW nor vvE have seen the report of the results. No time remains in this season to accomplish this additional task using additional excavations. [Input: P814JW.j]
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2005-08-14 |
jW |
In a morning meeting on site with gB, mKB, faB, jO, jW and the unit staff, we decided to remove the 50cm-wide bench we had left in anticipation of having to slope the baulk of the deep-dug trench needed to explore the south face of the wall in this locus. Instead we will expose whatever face we can see along the full span of the N edge of the locus and hope to resolve whatever ambiguities we see by inspection of the portions of the wall visible nearest us in J01 to the west and J02 to the east. Ideally we should excavate loci to the E (k1) and to the W (k21) to expose more of the wall face, but time does not permit this in season MZ18. [Input: P814JW.j]
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2005-08-15 |
jW |
gB and jO met with jW and unit staff to discuss the continued exploration of the south face of wall, f11. It was agreed that we would excavate no deeper, but rather we would clear the large fallen stone, f40, and the collection of the smaller ones, f39, and try to follow the clear, vertical face seen on the W edge, as far E in the locus, k101, as possible. [Input: P815JW.j]
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2005-08-15 |
jW |
gB and jW discussed the possibility of a non-destructive study of the construction of the apron wall, f10. Tomorrow, jW will scrape and analyze the mini-section formed by the pedistal of the northernmost of the stones forming the W boundary of the apron. A preliminary look shows a horizontal layer of reddish packing, overlaid by a sloping layer of grayish-brown soil, overlaid by the stones. The study will be documented, in part, by a photo. [Input: P815JW.j]
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2005-08-20 |
jW |
gB, mKB, faB, jO, jW and unit staff met to decide where to place the new unit J4, which is to determine the extent and nature of the third millennium plaza which we expect to be located south of the monumental temple wall. Because the same information could be obtained from a number of locations, we decided to incorporate it into J3 instead and place it three squares south of k11. This placement has the added benefit of being on the path of a possible visual line of sight to better view the entire wall system while a master plan to excavate the temple complex is being developed. It will be designated k103, and excavations will begin on P822. [Input: P820JW.j]
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2005-08-22 |
jW |
gB and jW briefly discussed, at home, the advisability of removing one or more of the stones of the second millennium surface of the monumental wall, f11, to properly evaluate the interface of the third millennium terrace, f50, and the third millennium phase of f11. gB will look at the situation tomorrow, P823, for a final determination. [Input: P822JW.j]
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2005-09-06 |
jW |
At the beginning of the day, gB determined that the seasonal goals of the unit had been accomplished in that we had exposed both sides of the monumental wall, f11, and in the process determined how it had been built. We exposed a section of a third millennium terrace, f50, that led from wall, f11, to the BA temple at the top of the mound. We also found the likely end of the second millennium apron, f10, above wall, f11, and determined that the plaza to the south of the wall was devoid of buildings or other substantial structures. As a result no more excavations will be needed in J3 this season. [Input: P906JW.j]
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2005-09-06 |
jW |
At the end of the day gB and jW decided that we will continue to prepare the sections in k103 for drawing and photography and that we will finish tracing the top of the bakhia surface of the temple terrace, f50, in k12. About four workmen will be needed for this effort. [Input: P906JW.j]
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2005-09-08 |
jW |
No work will be done in the field on Friday, P909 and Saturday, P910. jW will work in the house on P910. rE will depart for a short trip to Damascus on P909 to return on Sunday, P911. We anticipate drawing the sections in k104 and k105 on Sunday, P811. Final photographs will be taken soon thereafter. [Input: P908JW.j]
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2005-09-10 |
jW |
gB, mKB and jw met to discuss the priorities for work in the remaining week of our season. The most important things we must do are those which can only be accomplished here. They include final photographs, relays, plots, templates, Harrris Matrices, and data entry. jW will make a priority list of J03 tasks that fit these criteria. [Input: P910JW.j]
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2006-08-16 |
vVE |
A new strategy has been outlined by gB. We will first remove the East baulk of k1, ie. the baulk between k1 and k106 to uncover f519. When k106 has been excavated to the same level, it is very likely that new scattered boulders will have become visible. The North baulk of k1 will be removed to give a clear view on the top of the second apron, f532. The East baulk of k12 will also be removed to give a clear view of the glacis in k12 and k13. [Input: Q816VE.j]
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2006-08-17 |
jW |
Now that the original, EDIII surface of the temple mound has been exposed from the north baulk of k13 to the north face of the monumental wall, f11, and the east-west line of limestone blocks, a4, identified as possible post-Mittani decorative additions to a mound that had covered the wall, we decided to leave a4 on a pedestal and search for more of it in the locus immediately adjacent to the west, k23. Also, the post abandonment accumulations overlay what we hope is a well-defined N-S strip of the wall as existed during the Mittani period, running from the south wall face in k21, through the wall top in k22, and continuing upward to the north in k23. There is tantalizing evidence of this late modification in the west baulk of k12 and k101, excavated in MZ18. [Input: Q818JW4.j]
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2006-08-28 |
jW |
gB, mKB, fAB, jO, jW, vVE, rE and the unit staff met to discuss tht overall strategy for excavation in the next week. We will begin to prepare the site to illustrate and document the key strata excavated in J3 in seasons MZ18 and MZ19. First, we will record by photography the last substantial occupation of the site, probably by Middle Assyrians soon after abandonment by the Mittani. We will highlight the stones of a4 juxtaposed with the tannur, f3 and the floor, f173. To do so, we will remove the east baulk of k22 and k23 to the level of the mud glacis, f152, trim the pedistals upon which the stones of a4 temporarily rest, and expose the northern edge of the tannur rim. After documenting these installations, we will remove the stones and the tannur. The next phase of our efforts will be to continue to excavate the bulk line to the south, extending into the east baulk of k21. we want to reach the level of the mud glacis in k23, the floor in k22, and the glacis and floor in k21. Then, as one views the wall and glacis looking north from the south baulks of k11 and k21 one will see on the right the wall system as it esisted early in the Mittani phase and to the left, the memory of the wall as it existed in the latter part of the Mittani phase. Next, we will remove the east baulks of k11 and k12. This will fully expose the apron system as it existed in the middle of the Mittani phase. These actions will complete the link between J3 and J2 to the east. The link between J1 to the west and J3 will be illustrated by fully excavating k21 and k31 to their southern limits, thus providing a vantage point at k31 to view the wall system as it existed soon after it was built in the Early Dynastic phase. Because the east baulks of J1 are high and hazardous to any activity around them, we will excavate k109 to a depth of 2 meters, draw the west bulk, then remove all baulks and projections in the line of sight. The result will be the opportunity to see the growth and modification of the temple mound over its lifetime of 1,000 years of use. [Input: Q828JW3.j]
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2006-08-28 |
rE |
Tomorrow we will discuss the function of f197, and we will explore it more, and take a photo for it then we will remove, in order to reach f184, then we will move to the south half of k31, and the south half of k21 in order to have more space, so the view for all the area will be beautiful. [Input: Q828RE.j]
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2006-08-30 |
jW |
Today, in a meeting on-site with jO and jW, gB explained in more detail the strategy for excavating the E-W line of loci south of k1, k11, k21, and k31 to maximize the sight lines from a southern mound vantage point north to the wall system, apron, and glacis. The surveyor will lay out four squares with north and east baulks. We will excavate the northern 3 meters across the entire E-W width according to the following procedure: Temporarily maintaining the north baulk, we will excavate a trench from the baulk line 160 cm south to a depth of two meters. Next, we will draw and remove the north baulk. Then from an E-W line two meters north from the south edge of the locus we will dig a sloping wall face connecting the top and bottom. Finally, we will draw and remove the east baulk. [Input: Q830JW4.j]
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2006-08-31 |
rE |
after tomorrow we will continue removing the west baulk of k109, and the southern part of k108. gB suggested to continue removing the middle eastern baulk of k108, after taking the photo of the surface which found in the baulk f214. We also plan to remove f213, to follow the baqaya glacis f109. [Input: Q831RE.j]
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2006-09-09 |
jW |
gB, mKB and fAB met with the unit staff in the field on Q908 to develop an appropriate strategy to meet the goals of the season during this, the last week of scheduled excavations. In the western half (previously supervised by vVE), except for finishing a small remaining portion of a N-S bulk removal and documentation such as drawing and relaying the stones that were hidden in the baulks, the work is complete. Therefore, the entire team will work in the eastern half. First, because J1 has a staggering workload, we will assume control of the northeastern line of two half squares above the wall top. Locus k109 will be extended eastward to subsume this part. Because a high baulk forms the eastern edge, we will maintain a 50cm baulk to the east for safety and to facilitate drawing the section from the J3 side. [Input: Q909JW.j]
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2006-09-09 |
jW |
We need to remove several floating stones sitting on high pedistals, then excavate to the level of k108, immediately to the east. The second goal in k108, k22 and k23 is to follow the hard-packed surface of f123 and f31 north to its expected intersection with the packed mud surface of f152 and or the baqaya, f50 and f109. From the west section of k12, it appears as if f123 may be the glacis in the middle Mittani Phase when the wall was covered, but had "memory stones" placed atop its cover of soil along the line of the wall as it existed in earlier phases. The third and most important goal is to expose the south face of monumental wall, f11, to a depth of about one meter to link the earlier excavations in J2 to the east and J1 to the west. Finally we will remove the loose dirt piled against and atop loci k91, k92, k93, and k94. In the process we will even the cut of the south baulks and assure that each is excavated to the same depth. jW and gB later discussed the possiblity of opening a trench higher on the mound to see if it may originally all been covered in brick. gB pointed out that although it would be near the surface, it could not be seen from the observation post. Furthermore, it would be difficult to preserve over the long term - the brick exposed to the east in the German excavations of several years ago having already eroded away. jW noted that the packed mud glacis f152 may in fact be the detritus from bricks which eroded in antiquity. [Input: Q909JW.j]
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2006-09-09 |
jW |
Upon excavation this morning of a packed mud surface, f241, in the northeastern part of k109, gB suggested that we halt work there. He believed that it was the remains of the final glacis, probably built in Phase 7, and a continuation of the pottery layer seen in the north section of J1 above the wall. If we stop here, we will have examples of the glacis of Phase 1 in k101, k12, and k13; the glacis of Phase 6b in k108, k22, and k23; and the glacis of Phase 7 in k109. [Input: Q909JW.j]
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2006-09-10 |
jW |
gB and jW met at the site to review progress and revise the goals of yesterday. The surface work in the N-S group of loci which includes k108, k22, and k23 is almost complete in that we have traced a highly compacted mud surface attributed to Phase 6b, f123 and f31, from the wall memory stones north to its intersection with the baqaya glacis, f109 and f50, along the north edge of k23. Next, after photographing the mud surface from south of the wall to the north baulk of k23, we will begin to excavate floor f148 to the south of the memory stones to expose the south face of the monumental wall, f11, to a depth of 50cm. Also, we will finish removing the remnants of the east baulk of k101, which blocks a one-meter wide section of the view of the wall face from the south. [Input: Q910JW1.j]
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2006-09-18 |
jW |
With respect to work at home, for the first week of the post-excavation season we will concentrate on entering, verifying, and correcting log entries. Also we will complete the processing of all objects. In the second week we will concentrate on augmenting the feature descriptions with the field notes taken by the assistants in the field, leading to a draft stratigraphic review by the end of the week. In the third week the assistants will finish preparing templates for views and section drawings, while jW will begin the analytic portion of the Global Record. In the fourth and final week, jW will finish the draft analysis and the staff will review and critique it, leading to a final draft for gB to review. [Input: Q918JW2.j]
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2006-09-18 |
jW |
With respect to field work, we need to final photographs and relay the memory stones and the south face of the revetment wall. In the west part, we must remove a discontinuity in the mud glacis at the juncture of k13 and k23. In the east part we need to draw the stones of the apron, f10 that was covered by the east baulk of k11, k12, and k101. [Input: Q918JW2.j]
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2006-09-19 |
jW |
gB and the unit staff met with gB to review the proposed strategy of yesterday. He suggested that we advance the draft stratigraphic assignments to this week and push hard to complete the templates and section drawings. (At present less than one third are finished.) eI will process data from the east section while eDB will process data from the west section. bL will finish processing objects and will assist jW on strata and phase assignments. In addition, gB approved the plans for additional fieldwork. [Input: Q919JW.j]
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2006-10-10 |
eDB |
In the last day of work this season, we will place all files in the deep freeze, organize the data among the various computers and pack equipment in preparation for departure the morning of Qx12. [Input: QX10JW1.j]
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2007-07-07 |
jW |
The first cycle will address views and templates. As the graphic record of the excavation, it is imperative that we assure that the significance of each photograph is stated in the descriptive part of the view log. To provide for the links to related material, all elements, referants and incidentals shown in the photograph should be listed. Templates need to be prepared for all views and, if necessary, subviews as well. [Input: R716JW.j]
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2007-07-10 |
jW |
The second stage of work focused on features. It was pointed out that a reader of the UGR who was not familiar with the site would have a difficult time sifting through the data without some idea of what was in it. As a result, a summmary section will now appear as the first entry on each feature page and must be written during this stage. [Input: R716JW.j]
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2007-07-16 |
jW |
The third stage of work, which started today, will focus on aggregates, loci and incidentals. With respect to aggregates, each will need a summary, list of elements, description and best photo. If aggregates are nested or otherwise related, this must be explained. We are also encouraged to point out oddities. Regarding loci, summaries are required. An overall view of the loci will be presented on the left hand side of the UGR so no best photo is required here. The locus description is often the place where most daily journal entries reside. Just how to deal with the frequent mentions of workmen here will be discussed tomorrow. As to incidentals, we should review them for content and proper category assignment. (Note that we may create our own one-word category if none on the list fit.) [Input: R716JW.j]
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2007-07-22 |
jW |
The third stage of work will focus on Aggregates, Loci, and Incidentals. Aggregates will require a summary and a best view. (Note that aggregates can only be formed of units in the same stratum so units with the same function in different strata do not qualify.) jW will examine the 15 aggregates in J3 West while mO and eI will determine what additional aggregates are needed for J3 East. mO and eI will develop a method to visually identify the location of each locus in J3. [Input: R722JW.j]
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2007-07-19 |
jW |
The fourth stage of work will concentrate on objects (items and q-items). If photos were taken, best views must be selected. The issue of how to deal with alternate definitions and measurements which appear in the record as a result of the "dual" entries taken in the field upon excavation and in the lab after cleaning will be clarified by gB. It is the opinion of jW that both are valuable contributions to the record and should be retained but differentiated through coding. [Input: R722JW.j]
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2007-07-23 |
jW |
The fifth stage of work will address plots and their link to drawings. jW will assure the the format for the UGR records matches that required by the plots section to automatically call up the full AutoCAD function. [Input: R723JW.j]
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2007-07-26 |
jW |
The fifth stage concentrated on drawings. As a goal, we would like to link more drawings of architecture to plots (i.e. derive the drawings from plots) and gB will work on a way to display both on the same UGR page. To assist in this, it will be advantageous to write a script file for each feature, making it easy to retrieve them for combining them into more complex drawings. [Input: R729JW.j]
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2007-07-28 |
jW |
One thing lacking for the whole of J3 is an overall plot of the important features that can be seen but that we have not excavated. These include the revetment wall, aprons, and the three glacis. With the concurrence of gB, jW will identify the 30 or so points to be surveyed by bWP to complete this plot. [Input: R729JW.j]
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2010-09-01 |
jW |
gB pointed out that stratigraphically, accumulations above the glacis are not sealed from above. Therefore, their source and time of deposition cannot be determined. In fact, since f152 served as a glacis to memory stones of the revetment wall, it is likely that these accumulations covering the baqaya were fill, probly mined from nearby and dumped there in the MIttani period. The only true test of the composition and date of baqaya and the mound below to sink a trench and analyze the contents. To that end, on U904, gB, mKB, fAB, pC, and jW will visit J3 to plan the possible excavation. Because of its limited, but delicate nature, experienced workmen would be hired to do the digging. [Input: U901JW.j]
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2010-09-01 |
mKB |
this season the ceramic analysis team is working on the analysis of all the remaining unanalyzed sherd lots from J3, and this is yielding some important and unexpected insights into the possible configuration of the mound in the earliest periods.
While the Late Chalcolithic 3 sherd lots excavated in J3 were analyzed previously as we excavated them, some features, with relatively small numbers of sherds, were not recognized immediately as dating to LC3 and therefore were not analyzed until this season. During the course of this analysis we discovered that J3 features f513, f114, f151, f152, f209, and f120 had either exclusively LC3 pottery or had relatively few later sherds in comparison with the the vast amount of LC3 pottery. [Input: U901MKB.j]
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2010-09-01 |
mKB |
In my notes of U831 I included the elevations of these features because they are high and this seemed to me very important for our ongoing research on the configuration of the mound in the various periods of its habitation, and in this case the shape and elevation of the high mound in LC3.
I suggested in my notes on these ceramics, included in the J3 Global Record of U831, that I look more closely at the stratigraphy with jW. We had this meeting before breakfast on U901 and it became clear that these features, except for f513, were in a stratum just above the baqaya stratum in k23 and k13. jW pointed out that f121 and f50 ceramics might belong together, I looked at the sherds and determined that they too were LC3.
I then put out in the Sherd Yard all the sherds from these features and called a meeting for after breakfast, with myself, jW, gB, and fAB, and asked jW if he would prepare a sketch section for the meeting that included all the features under discussion. [Input: U901MKB.j]
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2010-09-01 |
mKB |
My objective in calling this meeting was twofold: first to point out that there were more high features in J3 that dated to LC3 than we had recognized during the excavations, and secondly to suggest that a small excavation in J3 this season might yield more information on the configuration of the High Mound in LC3.
During the meeting we looked at the impressive amount of ceramic evidence from these features and discussed conducting a small operation, headed by jW, in the upper part of J3. All the possibilities for the placement of a small trench were discussed that would maximize the information we would obtain on the mound formation in this period. It was decided to meet out in the field on Saturday morning, also with pC, to decide on the position of this trench. [Input: U901MKB.j]
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0000-00-00 |
MISSING |
We will begin excavations on U906 with 4 workmen (1 pick, 1 shovel, and 2 removal). First we will thoroughly clean the modern accumulation from atop the baqaya glacis, f109, and remove all loose sherds from the extant baulks to minimize the risk of contamination. Next, we will carefully remove the layer of baqaya with the big pick, breaking it apart to recover any sherds. After a thorough cleaning, we will begin excavating the accumulations under the baqaya. Backdirt will be placed south of the revetment wall for possible use in backfilling the trench. Tentatively we expect to excavate to a depth of two meters. We considered screening the backdirt, but decided not to do it routinely due to the skill and experience of the assigned workmen. mKB stated that there was no need to analyze pottery from the pre-excavation cleaning since its provenance would be uncertain. [Input: U905JW1.j]
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2010-09-13 |
jW |
On the morning of U914 we will clean the entire unit (including the walls of pits a5, a6, and a10) to prepare for a major photograph which will show all phases of the glacis construction from the late Mittani period, back through the Late Chalcolithic period. After taking a test photograph (the best time to take the record shot is in the late afternoon) we will remove the balance of f346 in the northern half and along the western border of k110, being careful not to damage the bricky material in the far NW corner.This will expose the balance of the ash layer, f347, which when removed should expose the bricks of f348. [Input: U914JW1.j]
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2010-09-14 |
jW |
On U915 we will first remove the rest of f346 from k110, exposing the top of f348. After cleaning, we will take an important photograph looking westward to encompass f348 and the three glacis. The surveyor will re-establish the grid for k13 and we will then excavate westward to the level of f348 to see its extent in that direction. At the same time we will vigorously scrape the area just to the south of k110 where just below the surface there is a continuation of the same reddish material constituting f348. This way it may be possible to identify both the southern and western extents of f348, as well as its identity and function. We need to be careful about excavating along the southern edge of k13 because there are several areas where the baqaya seal has been broken, perhaps by a pit. [Input: U914JW2.j]
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2010-09-20 |
jW |
gB, jW, and fAB met briefly to discuss strategy for U921. First, we will ascertain whether i31 rests on floor, f357. Second we will clear the south wall of pit a19 and explore south to see if we can find the south end of wall, f348, then follow it east to find its eastern extent, which is obscured by brick debris in locus k110. Third, we will trace floor, f357 to the west and north. [Input: U921JW1.j]
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