LABELLING & MARKING
Provide an identifying label recording the find number and context, as a minimum, immediately on discovery or excavation of a find. This applies whether the find is lifted immediately or left in-situ temporarily or permanently. Retaining this information securely with the find is critical for the archaeological record. Identifying information may be marked onto the find itself where appropriate and should be recorded on secondary packaging. Include the labelling protocol in the site data management plan.
How labelling and marking can be achieved will depend on the nature and condition of a find. This page offers guidance on a range of appropriate methods and materials for primary labelling, the labelling of secondary packaging, and for the marking of bulk finds.
Primary Labelling of Finds
Information on primary labels
The primary label associated with a find records its archaeological provenance and should never be separated from the find. The information on a primary label may vary from site to site but is likely to include the following (Table 6.1):
Table 6.1 Example of information included on a primary find label
Establish the format and vocabulary for recording finds at the project planning stage (see Planning & Preparation). Ideally, information should be consistent between excavations and archaeology projects and guidance encourages this. Resources for standardising the nomenclature and terminology of finds recording is available from the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and the Forum on Information Standards in Heritage (FISH).
Materials and methods for primary labelling
Handwritten finds labels of spunbonded polyester (Tyvek) marked with permanent ink markers remain the most common labelling approach on site. Spunbonded polyester is a non-woven fabric which is physically durable and resistant to water, a wide range of chemicals, UV light and temperatures slightly in excess of 100C. The water resistance of spunbonded polyester makes these labels suitable for use with dry, damp and waterlogged objects.
Labels are available in a variety of sizes and can be supplied pre-punched with holes for tying (Figure 6.1) and pre-printed with site codes and symbols ready for use.
Figure 6.1 Pre-punched Tyvek labels with permanent marker
Secondary Labelling of Packaging
Information on secondary labels
Label all secondary containers holding single finds, or several finds in their own bags or boxes (see Packaging Finds), with identifying information for their contents. Include the site name or code, context number and the material and registered find numbers of the contents. Indicate whether a particular environment is to be maintained within the storage container (e.g. waterlogging or desiccation), listing the required conditions and recording the dates on which it was checked and the checking schedule (Figure 6.2).
Figure 6.2 Secondary labelling of registered iron finds within a polypropylene box including the regeneration schedule for the silica gel maintaining a desiccated environment within the box
Materials and methods for secondary labelling
Choose the most appropriate method of secondary labelling for a container as dictated by the container material (Table 6.2).
Table 6.2 Labelling methods for secondary packaging
Markers for Labelling
General information
Permanence of the ink, whether for handwritten or printed information, is essential for preservation of labelling information. Choose permanent, fibre-tipped markers for Tyvek which have a fine tip to avoid bleeding of ink. Not all “permanent” markers have the same degree of permanence; some may fade in light, in damp conditions or in solvents. Check with a conservator or archivist for current recommendations as manufacturing techniques and inks change constantly.
Ballpoint pens may provide more easily legible writing but are prone to fading which can lead to loss of information, although impressions of the writing may remain. Fibre-tipped pens whose ink is less durable than spirit-based markers may also fade. Use of these pens might be appropriate in low light situations, for example in infrequently lit stores.
Marking Finds
Where and when to mark bulk finds
Apply identifying marks to the surface of bulk finds where appropriate. This may be carried out following washing (see Examination & Cleaning) and drying or later following conservation.
Recommendations for when and where to mark different types of bulk find are given in Table 6.3.
Table 6.3 Guidance on when and where to mark bulk finds according to type (after Historic England 2018, 6)
Materials and methods for marking
Ensure marks are small but legible to the naked eye and include the site code and context for bulk finds.
The equipment and facilities required to mark finds are given in Table 6.4.
Introduce a separating layer between the find surface and the ink when marking directly onto porous materials (except human bone). Use the acrylic resin Paraloid B72 for this purpose and for sealing the ink marking once applied.
The process for marking finds is given in Figure 6.3.
Table 6.4 Equipment and facilities for marking of finds
Figure 6.3 Process for marking finds using Indian ink with Paraloid B72 separating and sealing layers, if required
Further Information
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA)
2022. Toolkit for recording archaeological materials
2021. Toolkit for specialist reporting
2022. Toolkit for finds reporting: Roman coinage
2022. Managing digital data
Council for British Archaeology (CBA). 1987. Recording Worked Stones: A Practical Guide. Practical Handbooks in Archaeology, No.1. Council for British Archaeology, London, UK
Historic England. 2018. Historic England Excavation Recording Manual
National Park Service (USA). 2022. Managing Archaeological Collections: Labelling