Archaeological trowel

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WHS trowel

The archaeological trowel , also called truffle for short , or trowel (cf. English trowel = trowel) is a special tool for archaeologists .

Basic types

Archaeological trowels are available in different designs and sizes. A distinction is made between pointed and round trowels . So-called angle scrapers are also used. Archaeological trowels are generally much more robust and powerful than the trowels used by bricklayers: The bricklayer uses his trowels for constructive work , while the archaeologist uses them for destructive work ("An excavation is the systematic and recorded destruction of sites and findings"). The blade of a typical pointed trowel is approx. 2 mm thick, the "tang" (which connects the blade and handle) 10–12 mm thick. This is especially true for high quality, professional and mostly forged trowels. The trowels available in hardware stores are often unsuitable for archaeological activities, as they are only welded to the base of the blade and thus break easily. Trowels that are forged from one piece are preferred.

The trowel is a very personal tool and is reluctant to let go of the hand, as you can "only work well with your own, familiar trowel".

  • The pointed trowel - also called English trowel or WHS trowel in jargon - has a diamond-shaped blade with two sharp sides. The blade length is 8–13 cm, with 10 cm indicating a universal trowel
  • The round trowel - trade name stucco trowel - has a U-shaped basic shape. This trowel shape is particularly popular with inexperienced excavation assistants for creating a subgrade and profile , as fewer edges are worked into the working surface when using it.
  • The tongue trowel , sharply ground on all sides, is also particularly suitable for the Plana system and for fine cleaning of profiles, as its edgeless shape enables groove-free plastering. Due to its size (standard 16 cm length), however, the effort required is higher than with the English trowel - so the tongue trowel is best suited for light, sandy soils.
  • The angle scraper has an S-shaped blade, with one cutting edge smooth and the other with saw teeth. This type of trowel is particularly suitable for exposing and cleaning walls and foundations .

Plastering irons in various sizes are also used for particularly filigree work .

Occupational safety

Special care is required when working with the archaeological trowel (e.g. protective goggles , gloves), as the blades of the trowel are always sharpened when working on the findings. It is particularly dangerous to use the archaeologist's trowel as a lever to remove finds from a finding . Lumps of earth, small stones, bone or ceramic fragments can act like projectiles.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Available from specialist retailers under the name "Garten- oder Jätehand" .