Final answer:
The two basic ways to shape an excavation are carving and controlled excavations. Carving involves the process of removing material to create a form, while controlled excavations are systematic archaeological digs that ensure artifact preservation and contextual understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two basic ways to shape and excavation are carving and controlled excavations. Carving involves a subtractive process in which material is removed from a larger mass to create the desired form. This method has been used historically with materials such as stone and wood. Various tools are used to carve, shaped by the natural resources available and the practices of different cultures. Bas-relief is one example of a carving technique that creates a three-dimensional appearance by cutting away the background material to different depths.
Controlled excavations, on the other hand, are carefully planned and executed archaeological digs. These involve systematically uncovering artifacts and features using tools like trowels and toothbrushes to prevent damage to the finds. Artifacts are often left in situ initially to preserve their context, and precise documentation is conducted through cataloging, mapping, and recording. The practice of controlled excavation ensures the safety and preservation of artifacts and allows for better interpretation of historical contexts.