Collecting and Cataloging Artifacts

One of the most important activities associated with artifact collecting is keeping a record of where objects are found.  Be specific.  Mark the discovery site on a detailed map and indicate in which half or quadrant of a field the triangular arrow point was found.  Also note other types of artifacts, such as, pottery, fire-cracked rock, etc., discovered in the same area. 

When you return home, keep discovery information and artifacts together.  A simple note or tag should “travel” with the artifact until it is labeled.  Feel free to clean newly-found artifacts only if you can do so without harming them.  Durable items, like stone, most ceramics, and glass, can be washed using a soft brush and water.  Bone, wood, shell, and metal objects, however, may be too brittle or otherwise deteriorate if wet-washed.  Therefore, a soft dry brush is often recommended for these materials.  If you are uncertain about the best procedure to use, seek advice from a professional archaeologist or conservator before proceeding.

"... private collectors are encouraged to participate in a state-wide registration program known as the Pennsylvania Archaeological Site Survey."

A label applied to an artifact ensures that its discovery location will always be known.  Some collectors use their own system of symbols or numbers to code discovery site information.  For example, artifacts found in the northwest quadrant of John Brown’s field might be marked with the letters “B-NW”; whereas, objects found in the southeast quadrant might be marked “B-SE.”
 
Instead of creating your own labeling system, private collectors are encouraged to participate in a state-wide site registration program known as the Pennsylvania Archaeological Site Survey (PASS), maintained by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.  The importance of registering sites with PASS cannot be overstated.  A modern development project that uses state or federal funding or assistance is required to take into consideration destructive effects the project will have on significant archaeological sites.  In many cases only those sites registered with PASS may be deemed important enough to warrant investigation before development activities are allowed to proceed.
When a site is recorded in this confidential file, a registration number is assigned and reported to the collector.  The PASS site number can be used to label each artifact found at a recorded location.  The State Museum of Pennsylvania uses the assigned PASS number over the number “1” to label surface finds from archaeological sites.  Hence, artifacts found on the surface of the Strickler Farm site in Lancaster County, which bears the PASS registration number 36LA3, are labeled: An artifact label consists of an undercoat to prevent ink from penetrating pores or cracks in the object’s surface, a number or symbol written in ink, and an overcoat, which keeps ink from being removed when the object is handled.  First apply an undercoat of clear sealer to the artifact’s surface. Mixtures of either 15% polyvinyl acetate and 85% ethyl alcohol or 25% Paraloid (or Acryloid) B-72 and 75% acetone are recommended.  If the B-72 solution becomes too thick and “bubbles” when applied to an artifact, it can easily be thinned by adding acetone.  When dry, use indelible ink to mark the object.  After the ink has dried, apply a clear sealer over the number or symbol.  Gesso, a white acrylic, is a suitable undercoat substitute for use on dark-colored artifacts as is opaque Paraloid B-72.
 
Once artifacts are cleaned and labeled, assemble a catalog or inventory list.  Provide a detailed description of the discovery site, the PASS number or symbol assigned to the discovery location, and the quantity and types of artifacts found at the site.  Catalog lists are also useful for insurance purposes.