by Jonas Laxander

What happens to the finds from the excavation on Keber Tepe? Who works in the find processing and what does a typical day at the excavation house look like?

 A key step in advancing our understanding of the ancient city of Doliche is the processing of the finds from the trenches in the excavation fields at Keber Tepe. These finds are brought to the excavation house every afternoon when the field team returns from their day’s work in our excavation van. The finds are stored in the depot until work resumes at 7am the next morning, when they are processed by an international and interdisciplinary team of students, conservators and experts in the various categories of finds (pottery, terracotta, glass, metal, bone, architecture, etc.). What exactly does “processing” mean in this context?

            The first thing that happens to new finds is that they are documented in our Adiuvabit database. This makes it easy to look up which finds come from which specific context. This information is essential for the interpretation of the finds. Next, the pottery and architectural fragments are cleaned to facilitate their identification. The pottery sherds are examined by our pottery experts to sort them and decide which ones to work on. Typically, diagnostic sherds like rims, feet and handles are selected for further study.

            The next step is to draw and photograph the sherds for documentation. These tasks are carried out by both students and experts, and form a major part of the work done in the processing of finds. From the drawings we try to reconstruct the original shape of the vessel from which the sherds came. We also determine the original diameter and the percentage of the vessel that has been preserved. The drawings are also necessary because they allow us to show certain details of the sherds that often cannot be seen in a normal photograph alone. Drawing pottery doesn’t really have much to do with being good at drawing in general, as it is a very technical way of drawing. It takes a bit of time to learn, but once you do it can be quite enjoyable and satisfying.

            Of course, pottery isn’t the only relevant category of finds. We also have experts in terracotta, bones, seal impressions, glass, metal, architecture and coins on site at various times during the campaign. During their stay they look through the finds in their category that have been sorted by the finds processing team. This wealth of expertise allows us to better understand the various facets of Doliche’s history.

            There are workspaces on the ground floor of the excavation house, for those who prefer to stay indoors, and our lovely work table outside the house next to the garden. This provides a very relaxed working environment, with fresh air and the opportunity to catch a few rays without sweating in the field. We can also pick some of the grapes and blackberries that grow over and beside the table.

            Work in the find processing office officially ends at 16:00, although we often work a little longer until 16:10 or 16:15. At this time the field team returns from Keber Tepe and we have a few cups of coffee together. We use this opportunity to talk about our days, what has happened in the field and in the house, the new finds and progress we have made, and anything else that comes to mind. This sense of connection and togetherness is always a nice way to end the working day.