.bk J03
.fl U905jW1.j
.fd summary, strategy and daily for U904-U905
.ei jW
.ed U905
.rd U905
.rd jW

-su On U904, gB, mkB, fAB, pC, and jW met at unit J3 to discuss the size and location of the exploratory trench to penetrate the baqaya glacis (f109) and collect ceramics from the layers beneath.  The ceramics would then be analyzed by mKB to date that part of the temple terrace and assist in understanding the presence of LC3 sherds in several accumulations above the baqaya. After considering proposals of a deep 2m by 2m trench centered along the north baulk of k13 (same N-S orientation as k104 dug along the north face of the revetment wall, f11), and a shallower excavation of the entirety of k13, we decided to excavate a 1m by 3m N-S deep trench along the east baulk of k13. This trench will be designated k110. This will allow us to add to the east section of k13 which has already been drawn. Also, the west section of k110 will complement the major temple terrace and revetment wall section being drawn by pC.

-sy On U905, jW met with surveyor hB to lay out the trench. To take advantage of a marker already in place for the SE excavation corner of k13 (m4267), jW decided to make the N-S line 291cm instead of 300cm long. dM took photos for v168.

-sg 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.

-wk gB announced that the excavation would begin after the Eid holiday, about U912 instead of U906.