Archaeologists use various methods to locate archaeological sites. Here are some of the methods mentioned in the documents:
- Looking at areas of tectonic forces or erosion: Archaeologists search for areas where faulting or erosion has occurred, as these processes can expose surfaces that may contain fossils and artifacts.
- Use of vision: Sometimes, archaeologists rely on their visual observations to identify small parts of early settlements, such as stones arranged in a regular pattern, on the surface.
- Historical research: Archaeologists study historical documents and oral narratives that mention specific places. These references can provide clues about the geography of an area and lead to further exploration of past civilizations.
- Experience and skill: Archaeologists utilize their extensive experience and expertise to identify potential sites for archaeological excavation based on their knowledge of the field.
- Accidental exposure: Cultivation and building construction activities by farmers and builders can unintentionally expose ancient objects. These discoveries can pique the interest of researchers and lead them to investigate further.
It is important to note that locating archaeological sites may present some challenges. For example, some artifacts and fossils may be fragile and can break or disintegrate during excavation, potentially distorting their analysis. Additionally, archaeology is primarily focused on studying ancient periods and may not be suitable for studying more recent history. Furthermore, determining the exact dates of events can be challenging and often relies on the method of dating fossils. Moreover, there may be limited archaeological experts and facilities available for interpreting archaeological evidence, leading to artifacts excavated in Kenya being sent to European countries for dating and analysis.
