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Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center / Educators

Archaeology Terms

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Heavy Fraction

Heavy Fraction Pictured is a heavy fraction sample while it is being rinsed. The fine soil has already been washed away. Besides bits of rock or sand, the heavy fraction contains stone flakes, pottery fragments, pieces of animal bone and shell, and anything else that doesn’t float. Using a fine mesh ensures that even small artifacts are recovered. See also flotation and light fraction.

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MVAC Educational Programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This project was supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.