Stratigraphy

Definition

Stratigraphy is the study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification), which is used in archaeology to understand the temporal sequence of human activity at a site. It plays a critical role in reconstructing past societies by establishing chronological relationships between artifacts and features, helping archaeologists to interpret the history and cultural changes over time. This method allows researchers to determine the relative ages of materials and events, providing insight into the development of cultures within various colonial contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stratigraphy relies on the Law of Superposition, which states that in undisturbed layers, older strata will be found below younger strata.
2. In colonial archaeology, stratigraphy helps reveal layers of interaction between colonizers and indigenous populations, highlighting cultural exchanges and conflicts.
3. Excavation techniques often involve vertical excavation to carefully document each layer, preserving information about the site's history.
4. Different types of artifacts found in specific stratigraphic layers can indicate changes in technology, trade, or social structure during colonial periods.
5. Stratigraphic analysis can also identify post-colonial influences, such as how colonial legacies shaped contemporary societies through material culture.

Review Questions

• How does stratigraphy contribute to our understanding of cultural interactions during colonial periods?
  • Stratigraphy provides a framework for analyzing the layers of occupation at archaeological sites, allowing researchers to identify how different cultures interacted over time. By examining the distinct layers of artifacts left by both colonizers and indigenous populations, archaeologists can trace patterns of trade, conflict, and adaptation. This helps in understanding how colonialism influenced social dynamics and cultural transformations in affected regions.
• Discuss the significance of the Law of Superposition in interpreting archaeological sites through stratigraphy.
  • The Law of Superposition is foundational to stratigraphy as it establishes that in an undisturbed context, older layers lie beneath younger ones. This principle allows archaeologists to create a chronological sequence from which they can interpret how different layers reflect varying historical periods. Understanding this sequence is vital when analyzing artifacts related to Spanish colonialism or British and French settlements, as it reveals shifts in material culture and societal organization over time.
• Evaluate the impact of site formation processes on stratigraphic analysis and interpretation in post-colonial archaeological studies.
  • Site formation processes significantly influence how stratigraphic layers are developed and preserved, affecting interpretations made by archaeologists. Factors such as natural erosion, human disturbance, and environmental changes can alter the context and integrity of archaeological deposits. In post-colonial studies, recognizing these processes is crucial for accurately reconstructing past interactions between cultures and assessing how historical narratives are shaped by both physical evidence and the conditions under which artifacts are found.

Related terms

Chronology: The arrangement of events in the order they occurred, crucial for understanding the timeline of human activity and historical developments.

Site Formation Processes: The natural and cultural processes that affect the preservation and deposition of archaeological materials, impacting how stratigraphy is interpreted.

Context: The relationship between an artifact, feature, or ecofact and its surrounding environment, including its spatial, temporal, and cultural dimensions.