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Surface
explorations were conducted on Tell Far'ah (South) in 1998 (map ref. 1007/0770).
The work was directed on behalf of the Ben-Gurion University by Gunnar
Lehmann and Claremont Graduate University by Tammi Schneider. The project
aims at re-studying the site, which was excavated previously by W.M.F.
Petrie in 1928 and 1929. Since then the field of archaeology has changed
so much that the previous excavations and report are somewhat outdated.
In December 1998 the site was mapped and an intensive surface survey was conducted. The methods of the intensive survey reflect the approaches of Charels Redman and Patty Jo Watson (1970), Robert Whallon (1979, 1980) and Yuval Portugali (1982), being similar to the "Shovel-Test-Sampling" method (Krakker et al. 1983). The methodology aims at determining variations in size of settlements on tell sites and identifying the most efficient locations on the surface of the tell for later excavation. With the use of a Theomat, or computerized land survey equipment, data pertaining to the x, y, and z coordinates of particular points on the tell were collected.
This
data was then inserted into a digital cartographic mapping program, Surfer
being the specific program used for this project. Following this intensive
mapping of the site, more than 70 collection units were identified over
the entire tell surface. Units consisted of 3 meter diameter circles whose
central point of origin had been measured and documented (the x, y and
z elements) via the use of the Theomat. From these units all indicative
artifacts were collected, pottery being the most widely represented. An
excavation of the top soil, as suggested by Portugali (1982) was excluded
because of the nature of the survey license. Once the analysis of these
artifacts had been completed, the information and their corresponding time
periods were inserted into a computer database created by Prof. Jim Bently
of Withrop University. Prof. Bently then re-analyzed this information within
the Surfer Program, allowing him to generate and display frequency distribution
maps of potsherds from the various periods in which the tell was occupied.
This ability to visually observe the distribution patterns permitted dig
directors to estimate the extent of occupation within specific settlement
periods, aiding in the location of future excavation areas.
The results of this survey, according to specific collection area, can be reviewed here
