摘要:

Archaeologists are increasingly becoming aware of an approach to data investigation known as Bayesian statistics. In this paper we outline both the philosophical and statistical background to the approach. We show that it provides a logical and coherent framework in which to make inferences on the basis of both data and a priori expert knowledge. We note that adoption of the Bayesian framework is particularly timely since there have been recent dramatic developments in numerical methods which mean that a number of previous implementation problems have now been solved. As a result, many questions of archaeological interest, which require the use of complex statistical models, are being investigated using this methodology. We use a variety of recently published examples from a range of archaeological areas to illustrate the type of questions that can be answered and the nature of the methodologies used, and we make comparisons with the results obtained using more traditional statistical techniques.

ISSN:0003-813X    

DOI:10.1111/j.1475-4754.1995.tb00723.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Cylinder seals, which were produced more or less continuously for about 3000 years in Western Asia, were worked with designs in intaglio. In this paper we report the results of an investigation into the techniques used to engrave seals composed of quartz. Our observations were made with a binocular microscope and supplemented by examination of impressions with a scanning electron microscope. A range of factors was considered, including shape in plan, topography, surface texture and orientation of features. In this way four basic techniques of engraving have been recognized. They have been tentatively interpreted as micro‐chipping, filing, wheel‐cutting and drill

ISSN:0003-813X    

DOI:10.1111/j.1475-4754.1995.tb00724.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Through K/Ar dating of basalt implements from two Mount Carmel late Epipalaeolithic sites and samples of locally occurring basalts, it was possible to demonstrate clearly that the prehistoric inhabitants of these sites did not utilize the locally available Upper Cretaceous (88–77 My) basalts. The dates of the basalt implements are of Tertiary‐Quaternary age (3.7‐<0.250 My) which suggests the exploitation of basalt exposures at least 60 km east of the sites. This is the first direct evidence for long‐distance exchange/trade of an essential raw material in the Levant as early as 1

ISSN:0003-813X    

DOI:10.1111/j.1475-4754.1995.tb00725.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Fifty‐six sherds of fine ware from Locri Epizephiri were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICPOES) and flame emission spectroscopy (FES). The sherds had been excavated on the archaeological areas of Marasà Sud, Centocamere and San Cono, and represent local and imported products from the seventh to the second century BC. The samples were dissolved by fusion with lithium metaborate and analysed for nine elements (Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, Ti, Mn, Sr, Ba and Cr) by ICPOES, while Na and K were determined by FES. The analytical data were subjected to hierarchical agglomerative clustering and principal components analysis to classify the sherds into compositional groups. The results obtained indicated that Corinthian, Attic and Ionian products or imitations may be classified in a few separate groups, while most local products are found in a unique, large gro

ISSN:0003-813X    

DOI:10.1111/j.1475-4754.1995.tb00726.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Eighty sherds from nine different kiln sites representing a wide geographic distribution and a long time span of Korean celadon culture are analysed for macroscopic and compositional characteristics. Additionally chemical and mineral compositions of six unglazed sherds are compared with those of some modern raw materials. Unusually high values of alumina in the earliest Kangjin pieces of the middle ninth and early tenth century (I1) could represent a significant technological innovation at the end of this period at this most important celadon production centre. Similarity in chemical and mineral compositions between unglazed sherds and some raw materials such as Kangjin clay and pottery stone show the possibility that many of the celadons were made from these types of raw materials as found in nature without additives and only after mechanical refining.

ISSN:0003-813X    

DOI:10.1111/j.1475-4754.1995.tb00727.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Analyses by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry of 22 ceramic standards and sherds are compared. Further data from analyses of one of the ceramic standards analysed by both methods are also discussed. The results show that for most major elements, the methods are comparable, but that use of common standards would be advisable if data from the two methods are to be compared.

ISSN:0003-813X    

DOI:10.1111/j.1475-4754.1995.tb00728.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Late prehistoric pottery is found in abundance at archaeological sites around Southern Indian Lake. Black residues, found on the two dominant vessel forms, flat plates and round pots, are presumed to be the remains of prehistoric meals.13C cross‐polarization magic‐angle‐spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (CPMAS NMR) and13C and15N isotopic ratios and C/N ratios are used to reconstruct prehistoric diet and to shed light on possible uses for the plates. Samples of foods were cooked in clay pots, on a wood fire, to simulate the conditions of burning that could have produced the residue. Decomposition of carbohydrates, protein, and fat during cooking is studied with13C CPMAS NMR, and the effect of cooking on isotopic and C/N ratios documented. Predominantly fish and fat were cooked in the pots, whereas the residues from plates contain a greater proportion of fat and could have been used as frying pans or possibly as fat‐burning lamps placed on the ashes of a wo

ISSN:0003-813X    

DOI:10.1111/j.1475-4754.1995.tb00729.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Lipid residues from two Late Saxon/early medieval ceramic vessels recovered from excavations at West Cotton, Raunds, Northamptonshire, U.K., have been investigated by high‐temperature gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The solvent extracts of sherds sampled from different points on each vessel (i.e., base, body and rim) were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively and compounds were identified which were characteristic of beeswax and animal fat. Furthermore, by determining the sites of accumulation of the specific lipid types and their concentrations in different parts of the vessels it can be inferred that the beeswax was added to the vessels prior to the addition of the fat. It was concluded that the two vessels performed different functions in antiquit

ISSN:0003-813X    

DOI:10.1111/j.1475-4754.1995.tb00730.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

A statistical re‐analysis is undertaken of 118 inductively coupled plasma spectrometry analyses of Romano‐British glass specimens found in excavations at Colchester. There are four vessel types present, some of which are associated with chronologically distinct periods. Previous research has suggested little difference in the mean composition of different types. The present paper shows that there are interesting differences in the variation of compositions within types, with some showing much greater compositional stability then others. Some possible models to explain this phenomenon are discus

ISSN:0003-813X    

DOI:10.1111/j.1475-4754.1995.tb00731.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

The possibility of lead isotope fractionation in ancient lead production is examined. Kinetic theory relating to isotopic fractionation in non‐equilibrium evaporation is considered and the feasibility of the alteration of lead isotope abundance ratios in ore roasting and smelting is assessed. Previous experimental work is shown to have been inconclusive and conclusions are drawn on the need for further research to quantify the possible extent of fractionation in practic

ISSN:0003-813X    

DOI:10.1111/j.1475-4754.1995.tb00732.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY