Association refers to the relationship or connection between different elements, concepts, or phenomena observed in archaeological research. It is a fundamental concept in the field of archaeology that helps researchers understand the patterns and connections within the archaeological record.
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Association is crucial in archaeological research as it allows researchers to identify patterns, relationships, and the broader context of archaeological materials and features.
Associations can be spatial, temporal, or functional, and they help archaeologists understand the behaviors, activities, and cultural practices of past societies.
Analyzing the associations between artifacts, features, and their provenience is essential for reconstructing the past and interpreting the archaeological record.
Stratigraphic analysis, which examines the vertical and horizontal associations of archaeological deposits, is a key method for establishing the relative chronology and contextual relationships of cultural remains.
The identification of associations is often the first step in developing hypotheses and theories about past human behavior, social organization, and cultural change.
Review Questions
Explain how the concept of association is used in archaeological research methods.
In archaeological research, the concept of association is used to understand the relationships and connections between different elements within the archaeological record. Archaeologists analyze the spatial, temporal, and functional associations of artifacts, features, and their provenience to reconstruct past human behaviors, activities, and cultural practices. By identifying these associations, researchers can develop hypotheses and theories about the organization and development of past societies.
Describe the role of stratigraphy in establishing associations within the archaeological record.
Stratigraphy, the study of the layers or strata of soil and sediment in an archaeological site, plays a crucial role in establishing associations within the archaeological record. By examining the vertical and horizontal relationships between cultural remains, archaeologists can determine the relative chronology and contextual associations of artifacts and features. This information is essential for understanding the broader patterns and connections within the archaeological record, as well as for developing hypotheses about past human behaviors and cultural change.
Evaluate the importance of analyzing associations in archaeological research for interpreting the past.
Analyzing associations is fundamental to the interpretation of the archaeological record and the reconstruction of past human behaviors and cultural practices. By identifying the spatial, temporal, and functional relationships between artifacts, features, and their provenience, archaeologists can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the past. This analysis allows them to identify patterns, make inferences about past activities and social organization, and construct theories about cultural change over time. The identification and interpretation of associations is a crucial step in the archaeological research process, as it provides the contextual information necessary for researchers to draw meaningful conclusions about the lives and societies of past peoples.
Related terms
Correlation: The statistical relationship between two or more variables, indicating the degree to which they are related or co-vary.
The specific location and context from which an archaeological artifact or feature is recovered, providing information about its association with other elements.
The study of the layers or strata of soil and sediment in an archaeological site, which can reveal the relative chronology and associations between different cultural remains.