Methods for the Descriptive Analysis of Archaeological Material

1967 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Gardin
Keyword(s):  
Natural Language ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Scientific Language ◽  
Archaeological Material ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Scientific Standards

AbstractMost studies on the use of punched cards and computers in archaeology seem to take for granted that scientific standards exist to express the data upon which algorithms are to be performed, for retrieval or classification purposes. The author's view is different; examples are given of descriptive codes which have been designed under his direction since 1955 for the storage of archaeological data (artifacts, abstract or figured representations, buildings, etc.) on punched cards of various kinds (marginal, peek-a-boo, IBM, etc.). In order to obviate the shortcomings of natural language, three categories of rules are required: orientation, segmentation, differentiation. The concluding remarks concern the relation of the descriptive languages which are thus obtained to scientific language in general; differences are stressed, as well as reasons for postulating a continuum from the former to the latter.

Surface surveys in the northern Troad and the identification of Çiğlitepe as ancient Arisbe

2017 ◽  
Vol 67 ◽  
pp. 129-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurettin Arslan
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Western Anatolia ◽  
Late Bronze Age ◽  
Sea Of Marmara ◽  
Large Cities ◽  
Archaeological Material ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Literary Sources ◽  
Ancient City

AbstractThe region known as the Troad in western Anatolia is famed not only as the setting of Homer's Iliad but also for the Hellespont strait (modern Çanakkale Boğazı) linking the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean. In addition to large cities such as Sigeum, Abydus and Lampsacus, ancient writers also mention smaller cities located on the Hellespont. In this article, the location of the ancient city of Arisbe, presumed to have existed between Abydus and Lampsacus, is examined in the light of new archaeological data. Between 2002 and 2010, the author conducted surveys in the northern Troad. These surveys revealed an ancient settlement with archaeological material belonging to the Late Bronze Age, late Geometric, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods. The location of this settlement, the archaeological data and information from ancient literary sources all indicate that this site should be identified as Arisbe.

scholarly journals Re-integrating Archaeology: A Contribution to aDNA Studies and the Migration Discourse on the 3rd Millennium BC in Europe

2019 ◽  
Vol 85 ◽  
pp. 115-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Furholt
Keyword(s):  
Central Europe ◽  
Group Composition ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
Ongoing Debate ◽  
Archaeological Material ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Archaeological Materials ◽  
Sophisticated Model ◽  
Burial Rituals

Since aDNA research suggested a marked gene influx from Eastern into Central Europe in the 3rd millenniumbc, outdated, simplistic narratives of massive migrations of closed populations have re-appeared in archaeological discussions. A more sophisticated model of migration from the steppes was proposed recently by Kristiansenet al. As a reaction to that proposal, this paper aims to contribute to this ongoing debate by refining the latter model, better integrating archaeological data and anthropological knowledge. It is argued that a polythetic classification of the archaeological material in Central Europe in the 3rd millennium reveals the presence of a new complex of single grave burial rituals which transcends the traditional culture labels. Genetic steppe ancestry is mainly connected to this new kind of burials, rather than to Corded Ware or Bell Beaker materials. Here it is argued that a polythetic view on the archaeological record suggests more complicated histories of migration, population mixtures and interaction than assumed by earlier models, and ways to better integrate detailed studies of archaeological materials with a deeper exploration of anthropological models of mobility and social group composition and the molecular biological data are explored.

Middle Helladic Tombs at Nydri Plain, Lefkas Island. An Archaeological and Paleoanthropological Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 43-59
Author(s):  
Vivian Staikou
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Late Bronze Age ◽  
Middle Palaeolithic ◽  
Neolithic Period ◽  
Archaeological Material ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Middle Helladic

The prehistoric record of Lefkas and the smaller neighboring islands is fairly extensive. The oldest archaeological material dates back to the Middle Palaeolithic period. The Neolithic period is also attested by archaeological finds in five caves. Even though Early (EH) and Middle Helladic (MH) periods have been known since the 1920s due to Dőrpfeld’s excavations, the archaeological data from the Late Bronze Age are scarce. A small Mycenaean tholos tomb has been excavated at Agios Nikitas, while several LH tumuli have been unearthed at the neighboring Meganissi Island.

Geographical Differentiation of New Jersey Archaeological Material Inferred from Private Collections

1942 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 369-375
Author(s):  
Nathaniel Knowles
Keyword(s):  
New Jersey ◽  
Geographical Differentiation ◽  
Eastern Woodlands ◽  
Archaeological Material ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Aboriginal Culture ◽  
Private Collections ◽  
Surface Nature ◽  
Enormous Quantity

The essentially surface nature of Eastern Woodlands sites has invited the accumulation of private collections. Likewise, in densely populated areas such as New Jersey and adjacent states, many sites have either been destroyed by building operations or have been subjected to repeated cultivation. As a result, an enormous quantity of archaeological material has been lost to scientific excavation. While archaeologists have realized that intensive collecting by private individuals has always followed the plow, little has been done but deplore and ignore this activity. In consequence of this attitude, there is a tendency to assume that the contents of excavated sites represent the range of aboriginal culture, especially when cultivation has not been practiced for several decades. Furthermore, the enormous quantity of material in collections has not been utilized to supplement the archaeological data obtained from excavations.

scholarly journals SITUS-SITUS MEGALITIK DI KABUPATEN BONE: KAJIAN SEBARAN DAN KRONOLOGI

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Bernadeta AKW
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Social System ◽  
Radiocarbon Dating ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Islamic Period ◽  
Agricultural Resources ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
The People ◽  
The Social

Megalithic culture research at Labuaja Site, Kahu sub-district and other sites in Bone Regency aims to determine the distribution and chronology. This research doing by survey and excavation techniques. Archaeological data found from megalithic sites in Bone Regency are presented in descriptive analysis. In addition, C14 analysis was also carried out with charcoal in Beta Analytic Inc. Miami, Florida, USA to find out its absolute date. The results showed that megalithic sites in Bone had a fairly even distribution and occupy the slope to hilltops with a height of 28 - 218 meters above sea level. The results of radiocarbon dating indicate that the age of the site and megalithic culture in Labuaja, Bone ranges from 400 - 190 BP (around the 15th-17th century AD). Based on that date, the megalithic culture in Labuaja began in the golden age of the kingdom of Bone. Megalithic culture in Bone has associations with natural resources such as rivers and rice fields which are very supportive in the activities of human life that depend on agricultural resources. With the exploitation of agricultural resources, thus produce the social system and ideology adopted by the people who reach the Islamic period.  Penelitian kebudayaan megalitik pada situs Labuaja, Kecamatan Kahu dan situs-situs yang lainnya di Kabupaten Bone bertujuan untuk mengetahui sebaran dan menentukan kronologinya. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan teknik survei dan ekskavasi. Data arkeologis yang ditemukan dari situs situs megalitik di Kabupaten Bone disajikan dalam bentuk deskriptif analisis. Selain itu, dilakukan pula analisis C14 dengan bahan arang di Beta Analytic Inc Miami Florida, USA untuk mengetahui pertanggalan absolutnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa situs-situs megalitik di Bone memiliki sebaran yang cukup merata dan menempati wilayah lereng hingga puncak bukit dengan ketinggian antara 28 – 218 meter di atas permukaan laut. Hasil pertanggalan radiokarbon menunjukkan bahwa umur situs dan kebudayaan megalitik di Labuaja, Bone berkisar antara 400 – 190 BP (sekitar abad ke-15–17 Masehi). Berdasarkan pertanggalan tersebut, kebudayaan megalitik di Labuaja berawal pada zaman keemasan kerajaan Bone. Kebudayaan megalitik di Bone memiliki asosiasi dengan sumber-sumber alam seperti sungai dan persawahan yang sangat menunjang dalam aktivitas kehidupan manusia yang bergantung pada sumber sumber pertanian. Dengan kegiatan eksploitasi sumber pertanian, sehingga melahirkan sistem sosial dan ideologi yang dianut oleh masyarakat yang menjangkau periode Islam.

scholarly journals EARLY TRACES HINDU-BUDDHIST INFLUENCE ALONG THE NORTH COAST OF CENTRAL JAVA: ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE DISTRICT OF BATANG

AMERTA ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustijanto Indradjaja ◽  
Véronique Degroot
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Coastal Communities ◽  
North Coast ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
Archaeological Survey ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
The North ◽  
Central Java ◽  
The Social ◽  
Survey Results

Abstrak. Jejak awal Pengaruh Hindu-Buddha di Sepanjang Pantai Utara Jawa Tengah: Survei Arkeologi di Kota Batang. Penelitian arkeologi di pantai utara Jawa Tengah mengenai kehidupanmasa Hindu-Buddha hampir selalu dipusatkan pada wilayah antara Kedu-Yogyakarta, yang dikuasaioleh Kerajaan Matāram pada sekitar abad ke-8–9 Masehi. Penelitian yang berupaya mempelajaridan merekonstruksi kondisi sosial masyarakat di daerah pesisir masa pra-Matāram selama ini belumpernah dilakukan. Karya tulis ini berusaha melakukan eksplorasi pada masa pra-Matāram di JawaTengah, khususnya di Kabupaten Batang yang diduga sebagai salah satu daerah yang penting padaawal periode sebelum munculnya Kerajaan Matāram di pedalaman Jawa Tengah. Pengumpulan datadilakukan melalui survei, selanjutnya data arkeologi yang relevan dilakukan analisis deksriptif untukmenjawab pertanyaan di dalam penelitian. Hasil survei berhasil mengidentifikasikan sejumlah temuanpenting seperti arca, candi dan prasasti mulai dari wilayah pesisir sampai pedalamanan KabupatenBatang. Berdasarkan identifikasi sejumlah temuan arkeologi tersebut tampak bahwa wilayah Batangsudah mendapat pengaruh Hindu-Buddha jauh sebelum munculnya Kerajaan Matāram kuna sekitarabad ke-8 M. Abstract In Coastal Central Java, archaeological research dealing with the Hindu-Buddhist periodis almost always focused on the coastal area between Kedu and Yogyakarta, which was controlledby the Matāram Kingdom around the 8-9th Century AD. Research that attempts to investigate andreconstruct the social conditions of coastal communities during the pre-Matāram period has yetto be undertaken. This paper is such an attempt. It explores Hindu-Buddhist remains in the BatangDistrict, a district which, we believe, was an important entry point for Hindu-Buddhist traditionsprior to the emergence of the Matāram Kingdom in the hinterland of Central Java. Data collectedthrough the survey, further archaeological data relevant will be conducted descriptive analysis toanswer questions in the study. The survey results have identified a number of important findingssuch as statues, temples and inscriptions ranging from coastal areas to inland Batang. Based onthe identification of a number of archaeological findings it apparent that the area in Batang alreadyappear influence of Hindu-Buddhist long before the emergence of the ancient Matāram Kingdomaround the 8th Century AD.  

scholarly journals Material Correlates Analysis (MCA)

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 328-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Gantley ◽  
Harvey Whitehouse ◽  
Amy Bogaard
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Archaeological Material ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Key Variables ◽  
Historical Resources ◽  
Integrate Data

ABSTRACTTheories developed and validated using ethnographic and historical resources are often difficult to examine using sparse or fragmentary archaeological material. However, a number of statistical techniques make it possible to integrate data from ethnographic, historical, and archaeological resources into a single analytical framework. This article introduces Material Correlates Analysis (MCA)—a new method of filling gaps in the archaeological data using a strategic combination of data collection, multidimensional scaling, principal component analysis, and generalized liner modeling. Generalized liner modeling is a particularly useful tool in formal inferential statistics for comparing a priori classified groups of historical and/or ethnographic (known) cases with archaeological (unknown) ones on the basis of relevant variables. MCA allows us to overcome the inherent material culture limitations regarding data on key variables by using available historical or ethnographic evidence to make statistically testable inferences regarding archaeological data. Using the Modes of Religiosity theory as an example, we demonstrate how major gaps in the evidentiary record can be overcome using the techniques we outline. Specifically, we use the MCA approach to ascertain whether the agricultural transition in southwest Asia was associated with a shift from an imagistic to an increasingly doctrinal mode of religiosity.

scholarly journals Porphyrogenitus` borders on Ister and Hungarian conquest period finds in Vojvodina

2015 ◽  
pp. 43-55
Author(s):  
Dejan Radicevic ◽  
Perica Spehar
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Archaeological Material ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Hungarian Population ◽  
Insight Into

Data from De administrando imperio covers Hungarian conquest, right after their arrival to the Carpathian plain and to the territories they settled. In order to describe the area of their inhabitance, author used well known facts and clear geographical marks. Territory defined in that manner encompassed modern Vojvodina, so an opinion was brought out in scientific literature that it was also included in the area of early Hungarian inhabitance. However, it appeares that in those speculations the archaeological data were not adequatelly used, so it is important to give more precise insight into the available archaeological material that can be tied to the earliest presence of Hungarian population in Vojvodina.

scholarly journals Dermaga Kuna di Situs Kota Kapur dan Analisis Pertanggalan Absolut

KALPATARU ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Agustijanto Indradjaja ◽  
Darwin A. Siregar
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
Carbon Dating ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Research Problems ◽  
Absolute Dating ◽  
The Absolute

Abstract. Archaeological research at the Kota Kapur site is not as intensive as research on Sriwijaya Palembang, but this site can’t be separated from the kingdom of Sriwijaya. The research tried to see ancient port as part of a settlement on the site of Kota Kapur. This study focused on the remaining pillars to search for its absolute dating. Therefore, descriptive analysis and carbon dating (C-14) methods were used to answer the research problems. The results showed that the absolute dating of ancient port were similar with other archaeological data obtained from previous research. It confirms that the port is part of the settlement units in Kota Kapur site at 6th or 7th century AD.Abstrak. Penelitian arkeologi di situs Kota Kapur memang tidak seintensif penelitian tentang Sriwijaya di Palembang, namun situs Kota Kapur tidak bisa dipisahkan dari Kerajaan Sriwijaya. Penelitian kali ini mencoba melihat aspek dermaga kuna sebagai bagian dari tapak permukiman di situs Kota Kapur. Penelitian ini difokuskan pada  data sisa tiang dermaga dan upaya mencari pertanggalan absolutnya. Oleh karena itu, metode analisis deskriptif dan analisis carbon dating (C-14) digunakan untuk menjawab permasalahan penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pertanggalan mutlak sisa dermaga memiliki kesesuaian dengan sejumlah data arkeologi lainnya yang diperoleh dari penelitian sebelumnya. Hal ini menegaskan bahwa dermaga tersebut merupakan bagian dari unit permukiman Kota Kapur pada sekitar abad ke-6 atau 7 M.

Archaeological and Other Evidence: A Fresh Look at the “Laurentian Iroquois”

1968 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-440
Author(s):  
Bruce G. Trigger
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Identity ◽  
16Th Century ◽  
Archaeological Evidence ◽  
Archaeological Material ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Linguistic Evidence ◽  
Alternative Hypotheses

AbstractPrehistorians frequently must depend on archaeological evidence alone in forming judgments. It is evident from prehistoric studies, however, that difficulties are likely to arise when archaeological evidence is credited as being, of itself, a completely adequate basis for reconstructing every aspect of prehistory. This paper outlines the challenge that historical and linguistic evidence have posed to one explanation based solely on archaeological data. The problem concerns the ethnic identity of the so-called Laurentian Iroquois, who inhabited the St. Lawrence Valley in the 16th century. The archaeological material from this period has been identified as “Onondaga” or “Onondaga-Oneida,” but the vocabularies that were collected by early explorers in this area do not appear to be those of any of the languages of the Five Nations Iroquois. This particular confrontation of archaeological and linguistic evidence has resulted, not in the confirmation of current archaeological theories, but in the awareness of a broader range of alternative hypotheses than has been entertained hitherto.

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