August 18, 2001 -*Final Day of Digging*-

There were two priorities for the day, bring more of the central portion of the trench to the level of the mudbrick house, and prepare the trench for a plan photo and close-down. I also had the use of one of the staff (Roberto) to help with the articulation of the plaster surface in mudbrick house (L5068) so I could focus on other things.

More of later surface L5066 was cut down, yielding one new locus, an area of burnt mudbricks in which a few seeds were found (and thus a soil sample taken--KT 5464) which I believe may be a portion of an oven, though further excavation of it and its surrounding area will have to wait until next season.

Towards the eastern baulk, our attempts to dig deeper were thwarted by a level of packed sand, which will have to wait until next season, though it may be related to a downslope accumulation of sand following a possible abandonment hinted at in other loci further to the west, and higher (due to slope), like L5038.

Rob was able to articulate a fair portion of the plaster, considering the time and delicacy required. The best preserved portion was left in for the photo, while extremely patchy areas were taken down to the level of the hard surface (L5069) in hopes of finding the very elusive pottery associated with the house (mostly in vain).

Finally, in the northern portion of the trench, more of surface L5066 was found underneath L5054, but left with the higher locus sealing it as there was not time for proper excavation.

Afterwards, the trench was cleaned and tent removed for the plan shot.