Need help w/t ? new cave/rockshelter dig??

[hblovenlife]

Need help w/t ? new rockshelter dig??

This is really more a rockshelter, not a cave , but just wasn't sure how to describe it correctly. It dosen't go way far back , but it is tall enough that my house could fit under it . I need help on the proper steps to use in a dig this big? the property owner has grown up on the property and has dug a hole here an there , but hunting an digging artifacts isn't really his thing. As I was inspecting the ground there is shell pieces everywhere on one side of the cave. I found a nice small point at the edge where the water drips . I sefted a few test buckets and found all the good signs ( flint shards , animal bones, shell) . Where would be the best place to start ? I will post some pics . Any info will be greatly apprecisted.
Thanks, Hannah jo

 

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[mamabear]

chk regs & laws for your statebefore you dig. Even if you have permission from owner. I would grid off the cave & do a methodical, careful search. & just for science sake, record everything. We may be amateurs, but that doesn't mean we don't love the science of archeology. Just remember your dig may hold ground breaking history. Don't spread the word locally that you are digging or you will have unwanted company. Good luck, am looking forward to a good story.

 

[Gold Maven]

I've dug a couple, and one problem we have run into is where to put your waste dirt. You don't want to carry it too far to sift, but you don't want to move it twice to get to the ground under it. Plus you don't want to leave a big ugly hole under the rock.

I think If I dig another one, I would start with a 10ft square and move the dirt way out of the way. then on your second square put your waste in the first hole.
sounds simple enough, but probably wouldn't be that easy.

We buried a mason jar sealed with wax, with a note that had the date, our names and a little about what we found, in case some one dug it again in the future.

Good luck, post some pics.

 

[trevmma]

I just start the drip line and dig deep enough to hit clay, and don't be nervous to check in cracks of rocks I have found many points there like they were hidden or thrown away . I use a tripod sifter that hangs from chains, that way you can sift on a hillside you just off set your legs a little . and you do not have to worry about the dirt

 

[hblovenlife]

 

[1320]

That IS a monster of a shelter, wow...nice images too. Judging by the step angle of the front of the shelter, backfiling is likely out of the question and when I'm presented with angles like this in the shelters that I've dug, it seems best to start in the safest part of the front. You don't want to fall out...lol. Start in front of the drip line if you safely can and work your way back. If you satisfy yourself that you've dug deep enough in the very front, you can deposit your rearward siftings in the previously dug areas out front. This will ease the load your body bears and shortens the trips to the area that you've designated to deposit your siftings.

Take your time! A shelter that size can take several months to a year or more to complete. Try to have fun and don't give up when the findings are few. A non-dug shelter that size should have at least 100 artifacts or more. Best of luck, stay safe and PLEASE keep those images coming!

 

[1320]

Good info in this post....

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/north-american-artifacts/329288-help-rockshelter-dig.html

 

[hblovenlife]

Thanks
Hannah Jo

 

[Tnmountains]

I would also dig the area below where the little rock shelf is.Might be the trash pit and have the best stuff. Are you near water big water?

 

[jamey]

nice point,be careful in there

 

[digging440yrs]

AWESOME---GOOD LUCK--

 

[hblovenlife]

I would also dig the area below where the little rock shelf is.Might be the trash pit and have the best stuff. Are you near water big water?

THere is a small stream . The smaller rock has water running under it ,but you just can't see it .

 

[fishstick]

Wish we could dig!!!!!! Damn IND lawmakers!!!! GOOD LUCK..... HH

 

[Tnmountains]

Wish we could dig!!!!!! Damn IND lawmakers!!!! GOOD LUCK..... HH

You can not dig a rock overhang??

 

[rock]

We can dig here but only on private land with permission.

 

[fishstick]

You can not dig a rock overhang??

You can't dig ANYWHERE in this state for indian artifacts. They say there is a permit you can get but the only diggin you'll do is PAPERWORK! A site we dig at in Ohio is not 100 feet from the stateline. Mostly Fort Ancient but has a few other time frames as well. Maybe sumday we can change the minds of the Meatheads here. Wish me luck.lol. HH

 

[catherine1]

I would dig some tests holes in that ravine. Do not fill it with dirt. It could be the jackpot between it and the shelter. Thanks for the view.