MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE

MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
last updated: 2013-08-25
MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
1. ENTERING STRATIGRAPHICAL UNITS
EXCAVATION DATE – The current date will already be
entered in this field, so please remember to enter the correct date,
if different.
RESTORATION – If a stratigraphical unit –
most probably a wall – is being restored,
enter a short description here.
Physical Characteristics – VERBAL
DESCRIPTION – Please enter only information
that is not covered by the previous fields. A
description of the position of this SU would be
useful, just like a verbalised sketch, and the top and
bottom levels.
STRATIGRAPHIC RELATIONS – In the small Harris-Matrix at
the beginning SU that are stratigraphically younger than the one
currently described, will be entered in the line over it, and those
that are older will be entered underneath it.
Only those SU identical to it or, in case of walls, binding with it
shall be entered into the fields next to the SU in question.
The stratigraphic relations should be explained in detail in the fields
below the matrix.
Covers / Covered by – Only those types of SU sorted as
General above, sometimes also Structures, can, in the truest
sense of the word, cover other SU. Covers should not be
understood in a stratigraphic sense; sand accumulations next
to a wall do lean on this wall.
Cuts / cut by / Fills / Filled by – This will only or
almost only apply to SU of the type Cut.
Leans on / Binds with – This can only
apply to Structures and SU of the type
General.
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
2. OBJECTS
2.1 ENTERING OBJECTS
DEFINITION – This term defines the
categories or functions of the object.
A list of all definitions is attached,
including an Italian translation of the
terms.
Please be aware that the objects axehead, knife,
pin, spatula, blade and the building elements
ashlar, brick, rubble stone, tile, beam appear at
least twice in different categories, and that the
user has to choose the correct definition,
according to the context in which the object has
been found. For example: Pin (Body treatment clothing), Pin (Tool – Fixing), Pin (Tool –
Drilling / Engraving / Piercing), Pin (Function
not identified). A list of these objects can be
found at the end of the DEFINITIONS-list in the
attachment.
In order to facilitate entering the definition,
best select the definition for the object from
the printed list attached to this manual. Click
on the field and start typing the term, it
should then appear automatically. While this
saves time, be aware that you might choose
the definition from a wrong category, for
example, Ashlar (Building element / function
not identified) instead of Ashlar (Building
element / Wall).
DEFINITION / MATERIAL – Please try to enter something else
than Unclear / Not identified even if the identification of
material or definition is not (yet) secured, as most of such entries
disappear from public perception. Your doubts can be discussed
in OBJECT DESCRIPTION.
If you happen to find an object whose material or definition is not
yet available in the database please contact an administrator (like
Andrea, Arnulf or Jana) and this possibility will be added.
DEFINITION Bones – Bones will only be entered as
Skeleton / Cremation Remains when found
in the context of a burial.
Samples – All organic and other materials
(mostly stones) that cannot be identified as
an artefact will be entered as sample.
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
DATE OF FIND – The current
date will already be entered in
this field, so if the object has
not been found on the same
day, please remember to enter
the actual date of find.
DIMENSIONS – Don´t forget to
insert this important information
in cm!
PROPERTIES – painted,
decorated, inscribed –
Decorated are all objects that
are not decorated by painting.
If the correct date of find is
unknown or lost, the season
will be entered as follows:
2005-01-01 for the spring
season of 2005 or 2006-12-31
for the autumn season of 2006.
COORDINATES – in the pull down menu
you can choose the source of the coordinates
– precise, reconstructed or unknown
COORDINATES shall entered for every
object. The local coordinates have to be
entered in the fields: local long/ local lat.
System: 8 numbers, separated by a point,
XXXXX.YYY
The entered local coordinates will be
automatically changed into UTM coordinates
after saving.
In some cases there are UTM coordinates,
these have to be entered in the fields: utm
long/ utm lat.
System: 10 numbers, separated by a point;
XXXXXX.YYY
The height has to be entered in system
XXX.YY (5 numbers).
Please make sure, that you enter
the coordinates in the right fields!
Please mind that you cannot
save the object unless you enter the
coordinates in the right system!
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
COMMENTS –
The three fields in the lower part provide space for comments. The language should be simple and
clear. In order to facilitate the understanding and the searching for keywords, use standard diction and
remember to check the spelling. Be aware that the text will be saved without line breaks.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION –
Facts that do not concern the outer
appearance of the object should be
described here. This will mostly be
information concerning the context
in which the object has been found,
as far as not already expressed
through the SU number.
OBJECT DESCRIPTION – This field is
supposed to contain all information
concerning the visual appearance of the
object which are not entered in the upper
part of the mask. These will be form,
colour, decoration, marks of use and
others. However, a short definition of
the object (e.g. bronze knife) should also
be included for reasons of safety.
COMPARISON – Objects that resemble the
object currently described in some way – visual
appearance or perhaps also the context – can be
entered here.
Please describe the object shortly (e.g. left hand
of a sandstone statue), name the site where it
has been found and quote it in a way that
enabled other to identify it, e.g. the TA-number
or the page/ plate in a book or article.
OBJECT DESCRIPTION Colour – Use the terms from the SU
description: (very) light / (very) dark brown,
red, yellow, ochre, grey, black, orange, white,
green, blue, olive, turquoise, violet.
Form / decoration – Appearance and
(supposed) production technique of the object
and decoration should be described. A list of
helpful terms is included in the appendix, and
these terms should be preferred to others.
Again, you are welcome to suggest terms that
should be added to the list.
ATTACH PDF FILE – For
every object you can attach
a file or several files. In the
field Title can be inserted
the topic of the file and
from whom it is
(important!). Example:
TA1058 transcription by
Michael Macdonald.
Please mind, that for this function are
„attachment rights“ requested.
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
2.2 List of all DEFINITIONS
Last edited: 2013-08-25
Objects marked with * appear several times in different categories; you will find a complete list of all
possibilities at the end of this list.
-- General -Pottery collection
Bones collection
Stone Vessel collection
Cremation remains
Flints collection
Sample
Skeleton
Modern material
-- Subsistence /
production waste -Flake or core
Lump
Slag
Not identified*
-- Artefact / Function not identified -Artefact not identified*
Axehead*
Blade*
Foil
Inlay
Knife*
Mat
Pin*
Plaque
Rod
Spatula*
Token
-- Body treatment – clothing -Amulet
Bead
Bracelet
Buckle
Button
Comb
Dress
Earring
Fibula
Necklace
Pendant
Pin*
Ring
Shoe
Artefact not identified*
BUILDING ELEMENTS
-- Building element / Applique -Tile*
-- Building element / Ceiling -Beam*
-- Building element / Coating -Plaster
-- Building element / Floor -Flagstone
-- Building element / Opening -Door jamb
Hinge
Lintel
Threshold
-- Building element / Orthostat -Orthostat
-- Building element / Roof -Beam*
Tile*
-- Building element / Supply -Gutter
TOOLS
Pipe
-- Building element / Support -Ashlar*
Base*
Beam*
Capital
Column Base
Column shaft
Pilaster
Pilaster Base
Pillar
Pillar Base
-- Building element / Wall -Ashlar*
Beam*
Brick*
Mortar
Stone, rubble*
-- Building element / Oven –Kiln wall
Tuyère
-- Building element / Function unknown -Ashlar*
Beam*
Brick *
Stone, rubble*
-- Building element / Not identified -Not identified*
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
TOOLS
-- Tool / Beating -Hammer
-- Tool / Casting – Forging -Anvil
Crucible
Mould
-- Tool / Closing – Sealing -Jar stopper
Lock
Seal, cylinder
Seal, stamp
Sealing
-- Tool / Coating -Spatula*
-- Tool / Container -Basin
Basket
Box
Incense Burner
Lamp
Sarcophagus
Vessel
Table
-- Tool / Cutting -Axehead*
Blade*
Knife*
Artefact not identified*
-- Tool /
Drilling – Engraving – Piercing -Burin
Chisel
Drill
Pin*
-- Tool / Fixing -Hook
Nail
Pin*
-- Tool / Measuring -Coin
Weight
Applique (cast)
Applique (freely formed)
Applique (moulded)
Applique (unknown production technique)
Figurine, Animal (cast)
Figurine, Animal (freely formed)
Figurine, Animal (moulded)
Figurine, Animal (sculptured)
Figurine, Animal (unknown production technique)
Figurine, Human (cast)
Figurine, Human (freely formed)
Figurine, Human (moulded)
Figurine, Human (sculptured)
Figurine, Human (unknown production technique)
Figurine, Hybrid (cast)
Figurine, Hybrid (freely formed)
Figurine, Hybrid (moulded)
Figurine, Hybrid (sculptured)
Figurine, Hybrid (unknown production technique)
-- Tool / Scraping -Scraper
Spatula*
-- Tool / Sewing – Spinning – Weaving -Loom weight
Needle
Spatula*
Spindle Whorl
-- Tool / Smoothing -Planer
Smoother
-- Tool / Grinding -Hand-stone
Mortar (Grinder)
Pestle
Quern
Whetstone
Artefact not identified*
VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS
-- Tool / Sawing -Saw
-- Tool / Weapon -Arrowhead
Axehead*
Blade*
Bullet
Dagger
Knife*
Mace head
Spearhead
Sword
-- Tool / Not identified -Artefact not identified*
Figurine, subject not identified (cast)
Figurine, subject not identified (freely formed)
Figurine, subject not identified (moulded)
Figurine, subject not identified (sculptured)
Figurine, subject not identified (unknown production technique)
Statue, Animal (cast)
Statue, Animal (sculptured)
Statue, Animal (unknown production technique)
Statue, Human (cast)
Statue, Human (sculptured)
Statue, Human (unknown production technique)
Statue, Hybrid (cast)
Statue, Hybrid (sculptured)
Statue, Hybrid (unknown production technique)
Statue, subject not identified (cast)
Statue, subject not identified (sculptured)
Statue, subject not identified (unknown production technique)
Stela
Not identified*
Figurine , Vehicle (freely formed)
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
Definitions that appear in more than one category:
Artefact not identified
Artefact not identified (Body treatment – clothing)
Not identified (Building element)
Not identified (Subsistence / production waste)
Artefact not identified (Tool)
Artefact not identified (Tool / Cutting)
Artefact not identified (Tool / Grinding)
Not identified (Visual representation)
Ashlar (Building element / Support)
Ashlar (Building element / Wall)
Ashlar (Building element / Function unknown)
Axehead (Tool / Cutting)
Axehead (Tool / Weapon)
Axehead (Function not identified)
Blade (Tool / Cutting)
Blade (Tool / Weapon)
Blade (Function not identified)
Beam
Beam
Beam
Beam
Beam
(Building element / Ceiling)
(Building element / Roof)
(Building element / Support)
(Building element / Wall)
(Building element / Function unknown)
Brick (Building element / Wall)
Brick (Building element / Function unknown)
Knife (Tool / Cutting)
Knife (Tool / Weapon)
Knife (Function not identified)
Pin (Body treatment – clothing)
Pin (Tool / Drilling – Engraving – Piercing)
Pin (Tool / Fixing)
Pin (Function not identified)
Spatula (Tool / Coating)
Spatula (Tool / Scraping)
Spatula (Tool / Sewing – Spinning – Weaving)
Spatula (Function not identified)
Stone, rubble (Building element / Wall)
Stone, rubble (Building element / Function unknown)
Tile (Building element / Applique)
Tile (Building element / Roof)
2.3 Italian translation of DEFINITION terms
-- General -Pottery collection
Bones collection
Cremation remains
Flints collection
Sample
Skeleton
Modern material
collezione ceramica
collezione di ossa
resti di cremazione
collezione di oggetti in selce
campione
scheletro
materiale moderno
-- Artefact / Function not identified -Artefact not identified* artefatto non identificato
Axehead*
lama di ascia
Blade*
lama
Inlay
intarsio
Knife*
coltello
Pin*
spillone
Plaque
placca, placchetta
Rod
sbarretta
Spatula*
spatola
Token
gettone, pedina
-- Body treatment – clothing -Amulet
amuleto
Bead
vago di collana
Bracelet
bracciale(tto)
Buckle
fibbia
Button
bottone
Comb
pettine
Dress
vestito
Earring
orecchino
Fibula
fibula
Necklace
collana
Pendant
pendente
Pin*
spillone
Ring
anello
Shoe
scarpa
Artefact not identified* atefatto non identificato
-- Subsistence /
production waste -Flake or core
scheggia o nucleo
Lump
nodulo, piccolo massa, blocchetto
Slag
scoria
Not identified* (oggetto) non identificato
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
BUILDING ELEMENTS
-- Building element / Applique -Tile*
piastrella
-- Building element / Ceiling -Beam*
trave
-- Building element / Coating -Plaster
intonaco
-- Building element / Floor -Flagstone
lastra di pavimentazione
-- Building element / Opening -Door jamb
stipite
Hinge
cardine
Lintel
architrave
Threshold
soglia
-- Building element / Orthostat -Orthostat
ortostato
-- Building element / Roof -Beam*
trave
Tile*
tegola
-- Building element / Supply -Pipe
tubatura
-- Building element / Support -Ashlar*
pietra squadrata
Base*
base
Beam*
trave
Capital
capitello
Column Base
base di colonna
Column shaft
colonna
Pilaster
lesena
Pilaster Base
base di lesena
Pillar
pilastro
Pillar Base
base di pilastro
-- Building element / Wall -Ashlar*
pietra squadrata
Beam*
trave
Brick*
mattone
Mortar
malta
Stone, rubble* pietra non lavorata
-- Building element / Oven –Kiln wall
parete di forno/ fornace
Tuyère
ugello
-- Building element / Function unknown -Ashlar*
pietra squadrata
Beam*
trave
Brick *
mattone
Stone, rubble* pietra non lavorata
-- Building element / Not identified -Not identified* (elemento) non identificato
TOOLS
-- Tool / Beating -Hammer
martello
-- Tool / Casting – Forging -Anvil
incudine
Crucible
crogiolo
Mould
stampo
-- Tool / Closing – Sealing -Jar stopper
tappo di giara
Lock
lucchetto
Seal, cylinder
sigillo cilindrico
Seal, stamp
sigillo a stampo
Sealing
cretula
-- Tool / Coating -Spatula*
spatola
-- Tool / Cutting -Axehead*
lama di ascia
Blade*
lama
Knife*
coltello
Artefact not identified*
Artefatto non identificato
-- Tool /
Drilling – Engraving – Piercing -Burin
burino
Chisel
cesello
Drill
trapano
Pin*
spillone
-- Tool / Fixing -Hook
gancio
Nail
chiodo
Pin*
spillone
-- Tool / Grinding -Hand-stone
Mortar (Grinder) mortaio
Pestle
pestello
Quern
macina
Whetstone
cote
-- Tool / Container -Basin
bacino
Basket
cesto
Box
scatola
Incense Burner incensiere
-- Tool / Measuring -Lamp
lampada
Coin
moneta
VISUAL
REPRESENTATIONS
Sarcophagus
sarcofago
Weight
peso
Vessel
vaso
Table
tavola
-- Tool / Sawing -Saw
sega
-- Tool / Scraping -Scraper
raschiatoio
Spatula*
spatola
-- Tool /
Sewing – Spinning – Weaving -Loom weight
Needle
ago
Spatula*
spatola
Spindle Whorl
fusiaola
-- Tool / Smoothing -Planer
pialla
Smoother lisciatoio
-- Tool / Weapon -Arrowhead
punta di freccia
Axehead*
lama di ascia
Blade*
lama
Bullet
proiettile
Dagger
daga
Knife*
coltello
Mace head
testa di mazza
Spearhead
punta di lancia
Sword
spada
-- Tool / Not identified -Artefact not identified*
artefatto non identificato
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
Applique (cast)
Applique (freely formed)
Applique (moulded)
Applique (unknown production technique)
applique (fusa)
applique (modellata)
applique (a stampo)
applique
Figurine, Animal (cast)
figurina animale (fusa)
Figurine, Animal (freely formed)
figurina animale (modellata)
Figurine, Animal (moulded)
figurina animale (a stampo)
Figurine, Animal (sculptured)
figurina animale (scolpita)
Figurine, Animal (unknown production technique)
figurina animale (tecnica di produzione ignota)
Figurine, Human (cast)
figurina umana (fusa)
Figurine, Human (freely formed)
figurina umana (modellata)
Figurine, Human (moulded)
figurina umana (a stampo)
Figurine, Human (sculptured)
figurina umana (scolpita)
Figurine, Human (unknown production technique)
figurina umana (tecnica di produzione ignota)
Figurine, Hybrid (cast)
figurina ibrida (fusa)
Figurine, Hybrid (freely formed)
figurina ibrida (modellata)
Figurine, Hybrid (moulded)
figurina ibrida (s stampo)
Figurine, Hybrid (sculptured)
figurina ibrida (scolpita)
Figurine, Hybrid (unknown production technique)
figurina ibrida (tecnica di produzione ignota)
Figurine, subject not identified (cast)
figurina, soggetto non identificato (fusa)
Figurine, subject not identified (freely formed)
figurina, soggetto non identificato (modellata)
Figurine, subject not identified (moulded)
figurina, soggetto non identificato (s stampo)
Figurine, subject not identified (sculptured)
figurina, soggetto non identificato (scolpita)
Figurine, subject not identified (unknown production technique)
figurina, soggetto non identificato (tecnica di produzione ignota)
Statue, Animal (cast)
Statue, Animal (sculptured)
Statue, Animal (unknown production technique)
statua animale (fusa)
statua animale (scolpita)
statua animale (tecnica di produzione ignota)
Statue, Human (cast)
Statue, Human (sculptured)
Statue, Human (unknown production technique)
statua umana (fusa)
statua umana (scolpita)
statua umana (tecnica di produzione ignota)
Statue, Hybrid (cast)
Statue, Hybrid (sculptured)
Statue, Hybrid (unknown production technique)
statua ibrida (fusa)
statua ibrida (scolpita)
statua ibrida (tecnica di produzione ignota)
Statue, subject not identified (cast)
statua, soggetto non identificato (fusa)
Statue, subject not identified (sculptured)
statua, soggetto non identificato (scolpita)
Statue, subject not identified (unknown production technique)
statua, soggetto non identificato (tecnica di produzione ignota)
Stela
stele
Not identified* non identificato
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
2.4 Information on the terminology for the DESCRIPTION field
You are kindly asked to use the following terms for a concise description of your object. If you
consider other terms to be more suitable for describing your object, please add them to the list.
I. a. Surface treatment
- polished
- smoothed
- roughly smoothed
- glazed
- (intentionally) erased
- unfinished
b. Unintended surface treatment/ Preservation of surface
- burnt
- corroded
- eroded
- flaked off
II. Shape (of object and decorative pattern)
a. 3-dimensional
- conical
- cylindrical
- spherical
- hemispherical
- lenticular
- egg-shaped
- pyramidal
- ring
- disk
- cubic
- amorphous
b. 2-dimensional
- elongated
- flat
- thin/ thick
- ring-shaped
- (roughly) rectangular
- (roughly) triangular
- (roughly) square
- (roughly) trapezoid
- (roughly) oval
- (roughly) circular
- with (round/ oval/ rectangular) hole
- curved
- convex/ concave
- wavy
- wedge-shaped
- sharp
- pointed
- amorphous
- unfinished
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
3. SEARCHING FOR OBJECTS, SU, POTTERY, PHOTOS AND
DRAWINGS
On the left side of the start page there is a function that
helps to search for numbers of SU or objects. Please mind
that all numbers have to consists of four digits and that for
SU and pottery you have to add „su“ or „p“:
0134
su 1948
p 1234
= searching for object TA 134
= searching for SU 1948
= searching for Pottery Collection TA 1234
Do also mind that words entered here are only searched for in the field
OBJECT DESCRIPTION.
Advanced search functions for SU, objects,
pottery, photos and drawings are available.
They are mostly self-explaining, some remarks
are given below.
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
3.1 ADVANCED SEARCH FOR OBJECTS
You can choose up to 3 different
definitions and materials for your search
By marking the
checkboxes,
you can choose
which
information is
shown in the
results table
You can search
for key words in
the fields
description,
add.
information and
comparison.
OBJECTS – pottery and bones collections and
samples can be excluded from the search if
only actual small finds shall be searched for.
SHOW FIRST PHOTO – shows one
photos next to the search results. This
function is available in the objects and SU
search.
You can choose what information
shall be shown in the list of search
results.
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
3.2 ADVANCED SEARCH FOR STRATIGRAPHICAL UNITS
Choose general
condition for the
search
By marking
the
checkboxes,
you can
choose which
information
is shown in
the results
table
Here you can
choose more
detailed
conditions
for your
search
You can also choose, if the
stratigraphic relations covers and
covered by should be shown in the
results table.
search for key
words in the field
additional notes
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
3.3 ADVANCED SEARCH FOR PHOTOS
Photos are normally connected with the SU´s, objects, sherds or CB´s and or shown in their
entries. If it is necessary to search for a whole collection of photos or for photos of a whole
square you can use the advanced photo search.
Please note that the single search conditions are linked with another. That means, if the
category „people“ und Area „E“ are both chosen, then only photos with the category “people”
AND Area “E” are shown in the results table.
Search for a single photo number
options: SU, object,
overview, methodology,
topography and people
You can also search for photos of
certain areas, squares, buildings and
graves
3.4 ADVANCED SEARCH FOR DRAWINGS
Search for
TA-Numbers
and SUs
Attention:
seperat field
for the search
for sherds
You can search for drawing
numbers. For object
drawings OB_XXXXX and
pottery drawings
PT_XXXXX
Category - optionsn: object, sherd,
plan und section
You can also search for
drawings of certain areas,
squares, buildings and graves
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
3.5 ADVANCED SEARCH FOR POTTERY
You can search for
up to 3 different SU
or TA-Numbers. In
the result table the
information of the
different collection
are shown together.
Here are numerous options available
Search for key words - please
note, that the field
„description“ refer to
“decoration technique“.
You can search also
for drawn sherds
You can also search for
sherds, which are a
“catalogue type reference“
In the module „Pottery Statistics“ you
can compare different collections
from different SUs.
You can either choose a „form
analysis“ or a „marcofabric analysis”.
The results are schon in a pie or bar
chart. The data are also available for
download (csv file).
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
4. THE CONSERVATION MODULE
The Conservation Module is separated for objects and SUs (like walls or flagstones). The
latter is called conservation of buildings or CB.
- objects: for the conservation of objects
- new CB: entry of CBs
- CB search: search for CBs
4.1 OBJECTS
1. choose the TA-number of
the restored object
2. choose between:
- completely restored
- partially restored, other needs
- not restored, needs
3. Enter further needs or
planned procedures
4. Upload the conservation report
The entries are displayed at the object-Entry:
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
4.2 CONSERVATION OF BUILDINGS/ CB
4.2.1 ENTRY
General informations
Informations about SUs
and conservation process
In the following categories shall be
entered more detailed informations
about planning, used materials etc.
…
Please mind, that for this function are „conservation rights“ requested.
4.2.2 SEARCH
It is possible to search for
certain CBs (with the number)
or in general for areas, squares,
SUs and after the date.
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
5. SAMPLES MODULE
Till now the Samples module has only the category “Radiocarbon”. It is divided for the entry
and the search for Radiocarbon dates. The search keys are the TA-Number, SU, Area or
Square, a search for key words in the field for additional information, Occupational period
and the material. Besides these categories, the BP and calibrated dates are also displayed in
the search results.
The entry of a new radiocarbon date contains the mentioned categories, in addition of more
detailed information about the analysis, the lab and calibration software. It is also possible to
upload Report as PDF-document.
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
6. Depository of Objects
All objects from the excavation were stored after the following systems:
“Small” objects, like beads, stone vessels or slag are placed in room M3 of the Tayma
Museum (key plan: storeroom_plan.xlsx)
The biggest unit of order is the container (metal-container or big
carton-box), subunit of this is a box (small carton-box) and in this are
the objects stored.
Bigger objects of this category (like mortar samples, big stone vessel
fragments, slag, bones etc.) could be stored directly in a container
(without boxes).
The containers are numbered serially, including the containers for
pottery, bones, slag and mud bricks and the last allocated number is 178. The numbering of
boxes tend to these of the containers and is not serial, i.e. box No. 3 in container 54 is labelled
as box 54.3, box No. 3 in container 63 as box 63.3 and so on. For more clarity, the entry in the
Database is different (see 4.4).
The order of the container complies first with the Area/Square, then campaign and at least the
materials respectively groups of finds. The latter are „stone objects“/ „stone vessels“/
„ceramic objects“/ „samples“ and „varia“. Specific groups (like beads, ostrich-egg-fragments
etc.) could also be summarized. In principle the objects could be distinguished in another way.
Bones, pottery, slag or bricks are separated from the “small” objects and stored in own
containers. For a list of the content of the several containers, see list_container_content.xls.
Large stone objects, but also reconstructed pottery vessels are stored in shelves in room M1
(shelves 4, 5, 8) and in room M3 (shelves 9, 10, 11).
6.1 ENTERING THE DEPOSITORY TO THE DATABASE
options:
Tayma, Berlin, conservation, study
object, in situ and not available
options:
Museum: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5
pottery house: S1 bis S5
Lapidarium: L1, L2, L3
options:
Aisle 1 bis 5
shelf, container und box can
freely filled with numbers
The preset option as place is Tayma – any different place can be chosen through the different
options.
The rooms M1 to M3 name the storerooms in the Tayma Museum (see: storeroom_plan.xlsx),
S1 and S2 the both sections of the „pottery house“.
For the last 3 units (shelf, container, box) a free entering is possible, so these could be extend
at anytime.
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
The shelf No. consists of 3 numbers (e.g. 5.3.4) – 1. the row of shelves; 2. the single shelf in
the row and 3. the board inside the shelf (these numbers start on the bottom of the shelf). The
3 numerals are separated by dots.
For the entry of box numbers: in contrast to the labelling of boxes (e.g. box 64.7), the numbers
of containers and boxes are entered separately – container 64 and box 7.
Further notes:
- A box is always inside a container;
- A container could be in a shelf (therefore the shelf No. also has to be entered)
- All bags/plastic cases/fragments and so on of one TA-ID are to be stored in one
box/container/shelf (…), because in the database should be inserted only one kind of
depository
- The entry of double depositories cannot be inserted in the database, at this moment.
The depository must be entered manually under “additional information”.
- For pottery collections there is the possibility to enter additionally „all sherds stored
at on place“ or „sherds stored at several places“.
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
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5. ENTERING PHOTOS DESCRIPTIONS INTO PHOTO LISTS
All photos with a TA-number should be entered into the database. Single photos and their descriptions can be uploaded with ENTER PHOTO. If larger numbers
of photos shall be uploaded, however, entering them one by one is far too time-consuming. In order to save time in Tayma, photo lists in excel should be written
during the season. Afterwards these are uploaded together with the photos in Berlin.
The photo lists have to be complete and according to the format presented below in order to save time while uploading. This includes the arrangement of the
columns. Whether capitals or lower cases are used is not of importance.
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MANUAL FOR THE TAYMA DATABASE
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SU / TA-numbers only in the following format: 2345 /
0988 / (for sherds) 1234.6 with commas between the
numbers and without additions such as TA / SU.
CB Bumber only in the following format:
2345 / 0988, with commas between the
numbers and without additions such as CB
additional information – this field is meant to
contain only information that is not yet given at
another place somewhere in the database – so not, for
example, descriptions of the object or SU.
view on SU always in the format
NW / S.
photo numbers always in
the format TA09 00345
area / building / grave / room -
category SU = photos of contexts excavated
overview = photos that show an overview of several SU
topography = photos of landscape or buildings outside the
excavations at Tayma – also of other sites
object = photos of objects from the excavations and other
objects. If an object is photographed in situ, you have to decide
whether it shows rather the object (category object) or rather
the context (category SU).
methodology = photos documenting a work process
people = photos of team, workmen, social occasions etc.
several areas /
buildings / graves
/ rooms: separate
by comma.
date of photo always in the
format 2010-03-17.
category object – neither SU nor area number are
entered. This information is given in the objects module,
double entries are sources of mistakes. An exception are
photos if objects in situ – here it makes sense to enter
both SU and object number.
category SU – do not enter area number, but always
grave or building/ room if available. An exception is SU
0100 (surface), in what case the area has to be indicated,
of course.
category overview – the number of the area or building /
room or grave is necessary.
category methodology - building / grave / room –
numbers, if available, are necessary for all photos of this
category.
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