Sequential Pedestal Method
Definition
An excavation technique where the grave fill is removed in spits around the body, leaving the remains elevated on undisturbed matrix until the surroundings are fully exposed and recorded, then lowering the pedestal incrementally.
- Field
- Clandestine grave excavation
- Technique
- Remove fill in spits around the body
- Intermediate state
- Remains elevated on an undisturbed matrix pedestal
- Final step
- Incremental lowering of the pedestal
- Purpose
- Full exposure and recording before disturbing remains
Common questions
Why leave the remains raised on a pedestal instead of excavating straight down to body level?+
Keeping the body supported on undisturbed soil while the surrounding fill is removed preserves its original position, associated evidence, and any stratigraphic relationships intact for full photographic and diagrammatic recording before anything is moved or lowered.
What does 'spits' mean in this excavation context?+
A spit is a thin, controlled horizontal layer of soil removed at a time, typically a few centimetres deep, which lets excavators track exactly which depth and context any recovered evidence, such as a bullet casing or fibre, came from.
At what point is the pedestal itself finally removed?+
Once the entire burial feature and the body's full extent are exposed, documented, and any associated evidence recorded in place, the pedestal is carefully lowered and removed in the same controlled, layered manner used for the surrounding fill.
Related terms
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- In-Situ Recovery
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- Taphonomy
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- Wet Sieving
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