As stated above, the microscopic layer of data is recorded on feature sheets. These sheets are as follows: Architectural Feature Sheet, Cave Feature Sheet, Cistern Feature Sheet, Environmental Feature Sheet, Road Feature Sheet, Rock-Cut Feature Sheet, Scatter Feature Sheet, and Tomb Feature Sheet. These sheets pick-up where the Survey Site Sheet leaves off, incorporating the detail necessary for a complete picture of each feature and the site as a whole. As such, these sheets function much like the locus sheets in an excavation. Each Feature sheet is divided into eight sections, Feature Identification, Feature Type, Description, Identification, Pottery Reading, Objects, Photographs, and Interpretation. The remainder of this manual will be arranged following these eight sections. Many of the sections will be identical for each feature sheet and will only need to be discussed once. In those cases where there are differences, each feature sheet will be discussed under that section's heading. For instance, the Identification section for each feature sheet is identical and will be discussed only once. On the other hand, the Description section is different for each feature sheet, and will be discussed for each of the 8 sheets.
The ability to correctly and consistently identify a feature in the publication process or in future visits to a site is essential to this archaeological survey. Since the Feature Identification section is identical for all feature sheets, we will use the identification section from the Architectural Feature Sheet as an example for all eight sheets.
A. SITE NO: Simply place the number of the site in the blank following "Site No."
B. FEATURE NUMBER: As each feature is recorded, it is assigned a Feature Number. These numbers are determined in the field and listed consecutively beginning with "1".
C. SEASON: In the blank following "Season" place the year, e.g. '98.
D. SUPERVISOR: The initials of the "Supervisor" come next.
E. DATE: Following this, the "Date" that this feature was recorded is placed in the appropriate blank.
F. PAGE: Sometimes it might take more than one page to adequately record a feature. In these cases, pages should be number consecutively, beginning with "1". Place the page number of the sheet you are working on in this space.
G. DRAWING NO: If an architectural drawing is made of this feature, place the number of the drawing in the blank following "Drawing No."
H. SKETCH: This refers to any field sketches, not including the site sketch, that the recorder may make of an individual feature. Generally, sketches of individual features are not made and this space will be left blank. There will be instances, however, when you may want to make a sketch of a particularly interesting or unique feature. In this case, place a "Y" in the appropriate space to alert others to the existence of your sketch.
I. SUPPLEMENT: Individual features often have more than one component integral to their construction. For example, features which are essentially non-architectural often have components which are architectural. A cave may have walls dividing the interior space or partially blocking an overly large entrance. In order to describe these walls, an Architectural Feature Sheet will need to be completed as a supplement to the primary feature sheet. In such cases, fill out the supplementary feature sheet, using the same feature number assigned to the feature on the primary feature sheet, and in the space preceding "Supplement" insert the type of Feature Sheet you are supplementing. For example, Feature 13 is a cave with an interior wall. The primary feature sheet will be a Cave Feature Sheet. When you are filling out the Architectural Feature Sheet for the interior wall, you will use "13" as the Feature Number and place Cave in the space preceding Supplement.
J. CHAMBER NUMBER: Many caves, cisterns, and tombs have more than one chamber and to accurately record them you will need to describe each chamber separately. Number each chamber consecutively, beginning with "1," and place the number of the chamber you are describing in the space following the label "Chamber Number." For example, if Feature 3 is a cave with 4 chambers, you will need to fill out four Cave Feature Sheets, one for each chamber. Each will be identified as Feature 3 and the chambers numbered consecutively as 1 through 4. If there is only one chamber, leave this space blank. Remember that caves and tombs often have niches cut into their side walls. These are rock-cut features (see discussion of Cave Modifications below) and should not be counted as chambers. Instead they should be recorded on a Rock-cut Feature Sheet as a supplement to the Cave Feature Sheet.
K. RELATIONSHIPS: In this space, give a prose description of the spatial and, if possible, temporal relationships between this particular feature and the other features of the site, especially feature number 1. Because this portion of the feature sheet might be used by later investigators to locate individual features, it is also appropriate to include relationships with natural features such as wadis, slopes, etc.
This section contains the most commonly recorded archaeological features for each of the different feature sheets. Place an "X" in the appropriate space. Most of the feature types are self explanatory, those which are not will be discussed below.
Perimeter walls are walls which enclose other structures, or features. For example, a rectilinear structure often has wall which encircles it, likely meant to keep animals separated from the structure.
Dams and embankments are similar structures used to impede soil and water loss in wadi bottoms. We have distinguished between them based on their scope. Dams are walls, or piles of rubble placed directly into the wadi channel. Embankments cross the entire valley floor, acting much like terrace walls.
Separation vats consist of a series of rock-cut basins connected by rock-cut channels etc. These may have been used to separate olive oil into different grades, but it is not entirely clear that this was how they functioned.
