PREFACE

. 1 x 1 m grids and/or backhoe trenches should be dug to assess site stratigraphy. These unitsshould be placed near the edge of a site or in areas devoid of features. Any surface artifactsshould be collected prior to digging stratigraphic trenches.c. Trenches are generally 0.8 m to 1.0 m wide and must conform to OSHA standards. Scaledillustration of each trench profile is drawn and soil and cultural strata are described. Munsellcolors are described for each stratum and photographs (black and white and color) are takenof all trench profiles.12. Human Burialsa. Treatment of human burials found on BLM lands will follow requirements of theArchaeological Resources Protection Act and the Native American Graves Protection andRepatriation Act. Treatment of human burials encountered on New Mexico State land andprivate land is dictated by 4.10.11 NMAC; Statutory Authority: Section 18-6-11.2 of theCultural Properties Act NMSA 1978.b. If human remains are encountered, notification procedures and treatment guidelines outlinedin these laws and statutes will be adhered to.c. When burials are encountered, the excavation of the features that contain the burials willcease while the appropriate agency archeologist is notified. State regulations (4.10.11NMAC) stipulate excavation procedures and minimal documentation for burials on state andprivate lands. NAGPRA procedures will be followed on federal lands.d. If permitted, field procedures will consist of a general description and documentation of theburials, including determination of approximate age at time of death, gender, and recording ofobvious pathologies.e. Description and documentation will be noninvasive and all burials will be treated with dignityand respect. An inventory and description of all associated funerary objects and their contentswill be included in the field documentation.f. All burials and associated funerary objects will be left on the site premises until consultationwith appropriate authorities has been undertaken to determine their disposition.B. Exploratory Methods for Sampling Featureless Landscapes1. Surface collection (identify concentrations)2. Auger probes (see A 2.f above)3. Shovel tests (pits, trenches, surface stripping) (see A 2.g above)4. Mechanical surface stripping and trenching (see mechanical excavation techniques)C. Optional Exploratory Methods for Sampling Featureless Landscapes1. Magnetometer2. Phosphate sampling3. Soil resistivity4. Ground penetrating radarManual Excavation ProceduresA. Manual excavation procedures should conform to stratigraphic and arbitrary level constraints exceptwhere noted.B. Selection of appropriate tools is relative to the character of the cultural remains.1. Hand tools are required for the excavation of floor surfaces, activity surfaces, and other sensitivefeatures.2. Soft tools (e.g. wood, plastic) are recommended for the excavation of bones and other perishableobjects.6-16