The excavation was an opportunity to gain experience and help her make a decision. But, it wasn't so important finding the stuff, but rather seeing it and realizing that it's been under the ground for 200 years and no one else has seen it. When someone finds something, others working in the area will gather around to look. De Cunzo said researchers spend about three hours in the laboratory for every hour digging at a site. And that, she explained, is for cleaning and logging material.
Additional time is spent on research and analysis.
But, she admitted, as archaeologist it's difficult for her to keep her mind from focusing on what may be waiting to be discovered only a few feet below the surface. I find I'm always looking at the ground while I'm walking, wondering what I might be passing over. It's an occupational hazard.