Reburial research: preliminary field experiments at Fort Selden

Preservation through reburial is an effective strategy for cultural sites, and information exists that identifies broad categories of fill type, materials and the below-ground physico-chemical and biological conditions that favour survival of cultural artefacts. This apart, relatively little systematic research and testing has been undertaken on the reburial of archaeological materials under alternating wet—dry conditions, which pertain in many areas of the world where rich archaeological resources exist that are also a focus of excavation. Preliminary field research and testing was undertaken at the site of Port Selden, New Mexico, over an approximate eighteen-month period in 1995–1996 as a precursor to intended longer-term experiments. The ultimate objective was to determine optimal conditions for designed reburial interventions of archaeological materials. Testing was done in pits and on the ground and utilized a standard artefact comprised of adobe and lime as well as several indicator materia...