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Figure 4
Flotation retrieves ancient plant remains. A close-up view of the flotation machine, based on an oil drum. Soil from archaeological excavation is poured into the water. The heavy, inorganic portion sinks and the light plant material floats. It is guided over the weir, through the spout, and captured in the sieves. The sludge is drained away through a tap at the bottom of the machine. Desiccated olive leaves from Amarna's Christian Coptic levels (4th - 6th century AD) are recovered in this sample |