Association

Definition

In archaeology, association refers to the relationship between artifacts, features, and other materials found together in the same context, suggesting they were used or deposited at the same time. Understanding associations helps archaeologists infer cultural practices, social organization, and chronological sequences by analyzing how objects relate to each other in a given site.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Associations are vital for determining the function and significance of artifacts within archaeological sites.
2. Different types of associations, such as primary and secondary associations, help archaeologists understand whether items were originally placed together or later disturbed.
3. The analysis of associations can reveal patterns of behavior, trade relationships, and social structures within ancient cultures.
4. Associations can change over time due to natural processes, disturbances, or human activities, which complicates interpretations.
5. Artifacts found in direct association with human remains can provide insights into burial practices and cultural beliefs about death.

Review Questions

• How does understanding association enhance our interpretation of artifacts at archaeological sites?
  • Understanding association enhances interpretations by revealing how artifacts relate to each other within their context. When archaeologists analyze these relationships, they can discern patterns that indicate cultural practices, usage, or chronological sequences. For example, if pottery fragments are found alongside animal bones in a specific layer, it may suggest a communal feasting event. This insight is crucial for reconstructing past behaviors and societal norms.
• Discuss the differences between primary and secondary associations in archaeological contexts and their implications for data interpretation.
  • Primary associations occur when artifacts are found together in their original context, reflecting their intended use or purpose. Secondary associations happen when items are disturbed or moved after deposition, leading to misleading conclusions about their relationships. Understanding these distinctions is essential for interpreting data accurately; misinterpreting secondary associations as primary can lead to incorrect assumptions about cultural practices or chronological timelines.
• Evaluate the role of association in establishing chronological sequences at archaeological sites and its importance for reconstructing ancient societies.
  • Association plays a critical role in establishing chronological sequences by linking artifacts through their context. When items are found together in undisturbed layers, they can be dated collectively, providing insights into the timeline of human activity at a site. This analysis helps archaeologists reconstruct ancient societies by illustrating how cultural practices evolved over time. By examining changes in associations among artifacts, researchers can infer shifts in technology, trade relations, or social structures that define a society's development.

Related terms

Context: The circumstances surrounding the discovery of an artifact, including its location and the relationship to other findings at a site.

Provenience: The exact location where an artifact is found, which is crucial for understanding its association with other items.

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock layers and layering, which helps establish chronological sequences and associations between artifacts and features based on their depth and context.