Archaeological Laboratory Methods: An Introduction
Edition: 7
Copyright: 2019
Pages: 366
Edition: 7
Copyright: 2019
Pages: 366
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Archaeological Laboratory Methods: An Introduction by Mark Q. Sutton and Brooke S. Arkush introduces students to the theory and methods of describing and analyzing archaeological material obtained from the field in a laboratory setting. The many approaches include basic description and various forms of more detailed analyses of artifacts and other material.
This edition of Archaeological Laboratory Methods: An Introduction includes:
- a chapter on archaeology in general
- a chapter on cataloguing
- 11 chapters on methods of analysis
- a chapter on illustration
- a chapter on setting up a laboratory
- learning objectives for each chapter
- many illustrations
- a bibliography and suggested additional readings
- a detailed index and glossary
- a sample excavation report
AND
- has been updated to include the most recent materials
- has a completely revamped Chapter 14 (illustration)
- has new color photographs
- can be used by students and professionals alike
Archaeological Laboratory Methods: An Introduction seeks not only to provide instruction into the method and theory of laboratory analysis, but also to engage the reader to better understand the general process of archaeological research and its overall value in understanding both past and present human societies.
List of Figures
List of Tables
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Chapter 1 Introduction
Learning Objectives
Anthropology
Cultural Anthropology
Biological Anthropology
Anthropological Linguistics
Archaeology
Why Do Archaeology?
The Archaeological Record
Artifacts
Ecofacts
Human Remains
The “Other” Category
Geofacts
Assemblages
Features
Site Deposits
Archaeological Sites
Typifying Sites
Historical Sites
Isolates
Context and Provenience
Site Formation Processes
Site Disturbance
Taphonomy
Preservation
Stones and Bones
Perishables
References
Chapter 2 The Archaeological Project
Learning Objectives
Research Design
Inventory (Survey)
Excavation
Field Methods
What Comes in from the Field
Field Provenience: Sites, Units, Levels, and In Situ
Bags
Notes and Records
Field Bias
Borrowing Collections from Other Institutions
Reporting the Results
Tables
Figures
Chapter 3 The Archaeological Catalog
with contributions by James J. Clark
Learning Objectives
Accession, Lot, and Catalog Numbers
Recordation
Paper Catalogs and Records
Computer Catalogs and Record
Storage of Records
Artifact Treatment
Processing the Material
Equipment
Initial Sorting and Cleaning
Classification
“Rough” Cataloging
Curation
Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 4 Analysis of Flaked Stone Artifacts
Robert M. Yohe II
Learning Objectives
Definition
Fundamental Flaked Stone Mechanics
Flaked Stone Raw Materials
Heat Treatment
Production of Stone Tools
Anatomy of a Flake
Blades
Flaked Stone Tools
Bifaces
Unifaces
Flake Cores
Flakes as Tools
What About Hammerstones?
Measurement of Flaked Stone Artifacts
Debitage Analysis
Technological Analysis
Reporting the Results
Special Studies
Flaked Stone Analysis and Cultural Process: Experimental Studies
References
Additional Readings
Chapter 5 Analyses of Ground Stone Milling and Processing Implements, Decorative and Ritual Objects, Cutting, and Abrading Tools
Joan S. Schneider
Learning Objectives
Definition
A Note on Preservation
Identification of Ground Stone Surfaces
Grinding and Polishing
Visual Identification
Tactile Identification
Types of Ground Stone Artifacts
Ground Stone Artifacts Ground Through Use
Other Tools
Ground Stone Artifacts Ground in Manufacture
Description and Analysis
How to Describe Ground Stone Artifacts
How to Analyze Ground Stone Artifacts
Interpretation
Conclusion
References
Additional Readings
Classic “Ground Stone” Analyses
More Recent Milling Implement Analyses
Regional Syntheses
Typology
Use-Wear Studies
Manufacture
Trends in Ground Stone Studies
Chapter 6 Analyses of Aboriginal Ceramics
Learning Objectives
Definition
Raw Materials
Primary Clays
Secondary Clays
Color
Manufacturing Methods
Temper
Vessel Construction
Finishing Techniques
Decorative Techniques
Drying and Firing
Classification
Ceramic Wares
Ceramic Types
Nonvessel Ceramic Artifacts
Basic Analysis
Form and Function Analysis
Technological Analysis
Stylistic Analysis
Dating of Ceramics
Experimental Studies
Ethnographic and Ethnoarchaeological Studies
Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 7 Analysis of Shell and Bone Artifacts
Learning Objectives
Definition
Shell Artifacts
Beads and Ornaments
Classification and Analysis
Bone Artifacts
Utilitarian Artifacts
Bone Beads and Ornaments
Classification and Analysis
References
Chapter 8 Analysis of Perishables
Edward A. Jolie
Learning Objectives
Definition
Preservation and Conservation of Perishables
What to Record: General Considerations and Guidelines
Cordage and Netting
What to Record
Textiles and Basketry
Form and Function
Construction
Materials
Decoration
What to Record
Artifacts of Wood and Cane
What to Record
Artifacts of Skin, Hide, and Feathers
What to Record
Artifacts of Other Perishable Materials and Ecofacts
References
Chapter 9 Analysis of Historical Artifacts
with contributions by Joseph E. Diamond
Learning Objectives
Definition
Types of Historical Artifacts
Metal Artifacts
Glass Artifacts
Ceramic Artifacts
Buttons
Plant and Animal Remains
Above and Below Ground Features
Historical Documents
Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 10 Analysis of Animal Remains
Learning Objectives
Definition
Faunal Taxonomic Classification
Invertebrates
Vertebrates
Terminology in Faunal Analysis
Basic Skeletal Classification
Recovery of Faunal Remains
Screen-Recovered Material
Features
Chemical Residues
Identification of Faunal Remains
Comparative Collections
Sexing
Aging
Recording the Information
Analytical Considerations
Taphonomy
Processing Animals
Distinguishing Cultural from Noncultural Remains
Bones as Tools
Quantification
Uses of Faunal Data in Interpretation
Subsistence Patterns
Settlement Patterns
Site Interpretation
Environmental Reconstruction
Ideology
Status
Ethnicity
Dating
Seasonality
Technology
Trade
Domestication
A Note on Faunal Remains from Historical Sites
References
Chapter 11 Analysis of Plant Remains
with contributions by Elizabeth J. Lawlor
Learning Objectives
Definition
Plant Taxonomic Classification
Terminology in Plant Analysis
Categories of Plant Remains
Recovery of Plant Remains
Screen-Recovered Material
Features
Soil Samples
Special Samples
Identification of Plant Remains
Comparative Collections
Recording the Information
Analytical Considerations
Distinguishing Cultural from Noncultural Remains
Quantification
The Uses of Plant Data in Interpretation
Subsistence Patterns
Settlement Patterns
Site Interpretation
Environmental Reconstruction
Ideology
Status
Ethnicity
Dating
Seasonality
Technology
Trade
Domestication
References
Chapter 12 Analysis of Human Remains
Learning Objectives
Definition
Legal and Ethical Issues in the Acquisition and Analysis of Human Remains
Conservation of Human Remains
Cleaning
Labeling
Preservation and Reconstruction
Identification
Terminology
Bone Classification
Initial Sorting
Methods of Analysis
Metric Analysis
Other Analyses
Nonmetric Variations
Estimations of Age, Sex, Stature, and Ancestry
Pathologies
Cremations
Postmortem Alteration
Interpretive Approaches
Diet and Nutrition
Health
Demography
Social Inferences
Misuse of Human Data
References
Chapter 13 Archaeometry and Special Analyses
Learning Objectives
Definition
Archaeometry
Dating
Materials Sourcing
Protein Residue Analysis
DNA Studies
Residue Analysis
Other Analyses
Use-Wear Analysis
Studies of Human Paleofeces
Soils Analysis
References
Chapter 14 Archaeological Photography and Illustration
David T. Yoder
Learning Objectives
Definition
Digital Data
Image Management versus Manipulation
Photography
Digital Photography
Field Photography
Laboratory Photography
Structure from Motion
Illustrations
Maps
Plan View Maps
Profile View Maps
Line Drawings
Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 15 Setting Up the Basic Archaeology Laboratory
Thomas W. Neumann, Brian D. Bates, Robert M. Sanford
Learning Objectives
Purposes and Roles
Features Required by All Laboratories
Physical Plant and Equipment Needs
Configuring and Locating Laboratory Space
Differences and Variations
Physical Plant and Equipment Needs
Configuring
Budgeting and Planning
Notes
Appendix 1: Sample Excavation Report
Glossary
Index
Mark Q. Sutton began his career in 1968, working at an archaeological site with the local community college while still in high school. He went on to earn a BA (1972), an MA (1977), and a Ph.D. (1987) in anthropology. He has worked for the US Air Force, the US Bureau of Land Management, various private consulting firms, and taught at a number of community colleges and universities. He taught at California State University, Bakersfield from 1987 to 2007 where he retired as Emeritus Professor of Anthropology. He now teaches at the University of San Diego and does consulting for Statistical Research, Inc. From 1986 to 2000, Dr. Sutton served as the Editor of the Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology. Dr. Sutton has investigated hunter-gatherer adaptations to arid environments, entomophagy, prehistoric diet and technology, the prehistory of California, and Paleoindians. He has worked at more than 150 sites in western North America, has presented more than 125 papers at professional meetings, and has published more than 220 books, monographs, articles, and reviews on archaeology and anthropology, including the textbooks Introduction to Native North America, A Prehistory of North America, Introduction to Cultural Ecology, Paleonutrition, and Laboratory Methods in Archaeology.