5 - The Archaeological Test

Abstract

Parmana region of the middle Orinoco was first surveyed for archaeological sites. Surface survey in undisturbed terrain is not possible in that part of the Orinoco because archaeological deposits become covered up with sand blown from the river beaches in the dry season. To obtain a representative sample of different kinds of sites of ancient human activity, it would be necessary to get a stratified random sample through systematic test pitting. The local topography and patterns of erosion in the region furnish a good substitute for site survey by massive test excavation or auguring. This substitute is the slowly eroding face of the high banks that face the inner channel of the Orinoco. This high land is the only land in the region, with possible exception of the Parmanita lakes area and a few dunes in the outer floodplain, which would have been habitable year round. The face of the bank system provides a natural cross section that can be scrutinized for archaeological remains.