Artifact classification : a conceptual and methodological approach / Dwight W. Read.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Read, Dwight W., 1943-

Contributor:

George R. Fink Memorial Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Archaeology--Classification.

Archaeology.

Antiquities--Classification.

Antiquities.

Archaeology--Philosophy.

Archaeology--Methodology.

Physical Description:

363 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Walnut Creek, Calif. : Left Coast Press, [2007]

Summary:

Archaeologists have been developing artifact typologies to understand cultural categories for as long as the discipline has existed. Dwight Read examines these historically through a study of various attempts at pottery typologies. He then offers his own sophisticated methodology for classifying any sort of artifact. His typologies are designed to be both salient to the cultural groups that produced them and relevant to the archaeologist trying to establish cultural categories and timelines. The methodology also helps us to understand the relationship between material culture and ideational culture in ancient societies. This volume should be invaluable to upper level students and professional archaeologists attempting to categorize groups of artifacts.

Contents:

Historical background

Pottery typologies

From intuitive to objective classifications

Objective classification : goals and problems

Artifact measurement

Production and categorization sequences

Quantitative classification : methodology

Patterning based on type frequency counts

Style, function, neutral traits, evolution, and classification.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 324-346) and indexes.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the George R. Fink Memorial Fund.

ISBN:

9781598741025

1598741020

OCLC:

84152835

Online:

Contributor biographical information

Publisher description