Association

Definition

Association in archaeology refers to the relationship between artifacts, features, and ecofacts found together in a specific context, suggesting they were part of the same activity or event. Understanding these relationships helps archaeologists reconstruct past human behaviors, site usage, and cultural practices, highlighting how various elements interact with one another within a given setting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Association helps determine how artifacts were used together and can indicate specific activities like cooking or ritual practices.
2. Artifacts found in close proximity often suggest they were contemporaneous and related to the same cultural or functional context.
3. Understanding association requires careful excavation and documentation to maintain the spatial relationships of artifacts.
4. Differing associations across various layers of a site can reveal changes in behavior, technology, and cultural practices over time.
5. Archaeologists analyze associations to create interpretations of social organization and community interactions within ancient societies.

Review Questions

• How does association contribute to understanding past human behavior at archaeological sites?
  • Association allows archaeologists to draw connections between artifacts and features found together in a specific context, providing insights into how ancient people lived and interacted. By analyzing these relationships, archaeologists can identify patterns of activity, such as trade, domestic life, or ritual practices. This understanding helps reconstruct daily life and social structures of past cultures, revealing the complexities of their interactions.
• Discuss the importance of documenting associations during excavation and how it impacts interpretation.
  • Documenting associations during excavation is crucial because it preserves the spatial relationships between artifacts and features. If these associations are not carefully recorded, valuable information about the context can be lost, leading to misinterpretations of how objects were used or what they represent. By maintaining accurate documentation of these relationships, archaeologists can provide a more nuanced understanding of the site's history and its inhabitants.
• Evaluate the implications of changing associations within different stratigraphic layers for understanding cultural change over time.
  • Changing associations within different stratigraphic layers indicate shifts in cultural practices, technology, or societal organization over time. By analyzing how artifacts from various periods are associated with each other within those layers, archaeologists can identify trends in behavior or adaptations to environmental changes. This evaluation not only enhances our understanding of individual sites but also contributes to broader narratives about cultural evolution and interaction among communities throughout history.

Related terms

Context: The circumstances or environment in which an artifact or feature is found, including its spatial, temporal, and relational dimensions.

Stratigraphy:

The study of layered sediments or deposits in archaeological sites that helps to establish chronological sequences and relationships among artifacts.

Feature: A non-portable artifact or structure made by humans, such as walls, pits, or hearths, that provides context for the understanding of human activity.