Archaeological Methods (2) Flashcards
Describe bias in preservation.
Difference in preservation create a bias in what is found on archaeological sites; some materials preserve better than others.
How was the infamous ‘Bog Man’ preserved so well?
Acids and a lack of oxygen in the bog halted decomposition; consistent conditions
What does ‘site formation processes’ mean?
a combination of cultural and environmental factors
What is taphonomy?
the study of how materials become part of the paleontological/archaeological record;
the study of how organisms decay and become fossilized or preserved in the archaeological record
Define primary and secondary refuse.
Primary refuse is archaeological materials left at place used or produced.
Secondary refuse is materials removed from the original place used/produced to a designated refuse area.
Analyzing human and prehuman skeletal remains can determine…
(1) Species
(2) Age at death
(3) Geographic region
(4) Pathology, diet, and disease
What physical characteristics of the skeleton reveal the sex?
(1) Skull angles, thickness, and eyebrow ridge
(2) The pelvis is most important
Compare male and female pelvis characteristics.
Female: open circular shape and wider pubic arch for giving birth, more outwardly flared hipbones, wider pelvic opening
Male: heart shaped pelvic inlet (opening) and usually larger length wise
What is deciduous dentation?
These are the baby teeth
Describe epiphyses and diaphysis.
Epiphyses are the end caps of the long bones.
Diaphysis is the shaft of a long bone
What are useful indicators of age at death of a skeletal fossil?
tooth eruption and epiphyseal fusion (growth plate fusion in the long bone).
Osteons (pores in the bone that get smaller with age)
Fusion of cranial sutures– become less visible with age
What are useful indicators of geographic origin?
Isotope analysis- build up of strontium in teeth and bones (also shows migration patterns)
Genetics– mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA; halotypes are linked to particular regions
What are useful indicators of pathology, diet, and disease?
cancer or lesions on the bones
Enamel hypoplasia– horizontal bands that form in tooth enamel that can indicate childhood disease or malnutrition
Define paleopathology.
The study of pathological conditions in ancient remains
ancient disease, trauma, dietary deficiency
