Association

Definition

In archaeology, association refers to the relationship between artifacts, features, or ecofacts found together in a specific context, indicating they were likely used or created at the same time or in the same activity. This concept is crucial for understanding the behaviors, cultural practices, and social interactions of past societies by analyzing how different items are connected in their archaeological context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Association helps archaeologists infer the function of artifacts by examining what items are found together, leading to conclusions about daily life and cultural practices.
2. Not all associations are meaningful; some might be coincidental or due to natural processes, so careful analysis is necessary to determine their significance.
3. Associations can vary in strength; strong associations suggest items were used in conjunction, while weak associations may indicate they were simply found near each other without a direct link.
4. In interpreting associations, archaeologists consider factors like spatial distribution and the types of materials present to understand social structures and activities.
5. Different cultures may have unique patterns of association that reflect their values, traditions, and technological practices.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of association enhance our understanding of past societies through archaeological findings?
  • The concept of association enhances our understanding of past societies by allowing archaeologists to analyze how artifacts are grouped together in specific contexts. By studying these relationships, researchers can infer patterns of behavior, social interactions, and cultural practices. For example, if tools are frequently found with food remains, it suggests that those tools were used for food preparation, revealing insights into daily life and subsistence strategies.
• Discuss the potential challenges archaeologists face when interpreting associations among artifacts and how these challenges can be addressed.
  • Archaeologists face several challenges when interpreting associations among artifacts, such as distinguishing between meaningful relationships and coincidental occurrences. Natural processes like erosion or human activities like disturbance can complicate associations. To address these challenges, archaeologists employ meticulous excavation techniques, analyze stratigraphy, and use statistical methods to evaluate the significance of associations. This thorough approach helps ensure more accurate interpretations of past behaviors and cultural contexts.
• Evaluate the implications of association for reconstructing the social structures and practices of ancient communities.
  • Evaluating association allows archaeologists to reconstruct social structures and practices of ancient communities by revealing how different artifacts relate to one another within specific contexts. For instance, finding domestic tools alongside communal cooking implements can indicate household organization and communal dining practices. By analyzing these associations over time and across different sites, researchers can draw conclusions about social hierarchies, trade networks, and cultural exchanges within ancient societies. This nuanced understanding provides a richer picture of how communities functioned and interacted.

Related terms

Context: The physical and cultural setting in which an artifact is found, including its location, stratigraphy, and relationship to other artifacts.

Feature:

Non-portable remnants of past human activity, such as structures, hearths, or postholes that provide insight into how people lived.

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification) which helps archaeologists understand the temporal sequence of artifacts and features.