Post-excavation analysis

Definition

Post-excavation analysis is the phase in archaeological research that occurs after the physical excavation of a site has been completed, focusing on the examination, interpretation, and synthesis of the collected artifacts, ecofacts, and data. This stage is crucial as it transforms raw data into meaningful insights about past human behavior, cultural practices, and environmental conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-excavation analysis includes cataloging and conserving artifacts, analyzing data using various scientific techniques, and creating reports.
2. This phase often involves collaboration among specialists, including conservators, osteologists, and environmental archaeologists, to ensure a thorough understanding of findings.
3. Interpretation during post-excavation can reveal patterns of human activity, trade relationships, and social structures from different time periods.
4. Results from post-excavation analysis can lead to new hypotheses or questions that guide further archaeological research or excavations.
5. Documentation during post-excavation analysis is essential for ensuring that findings are available for future study and for maintaining the integrity of the archaeological record.

Review Questions

• How does post-excavation analysis contribute to our understanding of past human behaviors?
  • Post-excavation analysis plays a vital role in interpreting the archaeological record by examining artifacts and ecofacts in context. Through careful examination and analysis of these items, archaeologists can identify patterns of daily life, trade practices, and social organization within ancient cultures. By synthesizing this information, researchers can create a more nuanced understanding of how people lived, interacted with their environment, and adapted to changing circumstances throughout history.
• What processes are involved in post-excavation analysis and why is interdisciplinary collaboration important?
  • Post-excavation analysis involves various processes such as cataloging artifacts, conserving materials, conducting scientific analyses like radiocarbon dating or isotopic studies, and preparing detailed site reports. Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial because different specialists bring unique skills and perspectives that enhance the analysis. For example, environmental archaeologists can provide insights into past climates while bioarchaeologists can interpret human remains, creating a more comprehensive picture of the site’s historical context.
• Evaluate the impact of post-excavation analysis on future archaeological research directions.
  • Post-excavation analysis significantly impacts future archaeological research by shaping new questions and guiding subsequent investigations. The interpretations drawn from analyzed data can uncover gaps in knowledge or unexpected findings that challenge existing narratives. Consequently, these insights may lead archaeologists to explore different aspects of culture or target new areas for excavation. This ongoing cycle of inquiry is vital for advancing our understanding of human history and ensuring that archaeology remains a dynamic field responsive to emerging evidence.

Related terms

Artifact: An object made or used by humans, typically an item of cultural or historical interest found during excavations.

Contextual Analysis:

The study of the spatial and temporal relationships of artifacts and features within an archaeological site to understand their significance.

Site Report: A comprehensive document produced after excavation that details findings, methodologies, and interpretations based on the collected data.