Ode to the “Marshalltown”

One of the most important tools of the modern archaeologist is the trusty pointed trowel (“don’t leave home without it!”), which is used for various dig-related activities, such as digging, scraping, leveling, straightening balks, collecting loose earth, picking up delicate finds, etc.. At times, it can even be used for cutting a watermelon, doodling in the sand, and other less-proffessionally-oriented activities. In recent decades, the most popular trowel among archaeologists in many countries is the “Marshalltown” trowel, a US made brand.

 A Marshalltown trowel and “holster”