Archaeological Material Analysis

Introduction:

Balme, J., Paterson, A. (2005).
Archaeology In Practice: A Student Guide To Archaeological Analyses
Archaeology in Practice is written in a style that is accessible to students and each chapter is amply referenced to provide readers with a guide to further resources on particular techniques and their applications. The chapters are organized either by material types, such as animal bones, ceramics, stone artifacts, and documentary sources, or by themes, such as dating, ethics, and report writing.

CERAMICS:

Arnold, D. (1985).
Ceramic Theory and Cultural Process
This much-praised book aims to develop a theory of ceramics which will elucidate the complex relationship between ceramics and culture and society.

Orton, C., Tyers, P., Vince, A.(1993)
Pottery in Archaeology.
The study of pottery in archaeology has become increasingly important over the last century, providing the archaeologist with information on many aspects of the past, including chronology, trade and technology. A unique combination of over fifty years' practical experience and the latest research in the study of pottery from archaeological excavations.

Rye, O. (1981).
Pottery Technology: Principles and Reconstruction.
This book constitutes a good starting place for ceramists or ceramic analysts. Basic data on how pottery is made, with chapters on the production sequence, materials used and their preparation, forming, and firing.

LITHICS:

Odell, G. (2003).
Lithic Analysis.
This practical volume does not intend to replace a mentor, but acts as a readily accessible guide to the basic tools of lithic analysis that a researcher can consult. Some focuses of the manual include: - History of stone tool research,- Procurement, manufacture and function, - Assemblage variability. Lithic Analysis will be an incomparable source for academic archaeologists, cultural resource and heritage management archaeologists, government heritage agencies, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students of archaeology focused on the prehistoric period.

Andrefsky, W. (2005)
Lithics; Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis.
This highly illustrated book explains the fundamental principles of the measurement, recording and analysis of stone tools and stone tool production debris. Fully revised and updated edition of ground-breaking manual on stone artefact analysis. Includes new section on stone tool functional studies and expanded glossary. Highly illustrated and clearly written to appeal to students and professional archaeologists.

HUMAN AND OR ANIMAL REMAINS:

Mays, S. (1998).
The Archaeology of Human Bones.
There is no greater direct evidence regarding earlier human populations than their physical remains. This volume provides a pragmatic and up-to-date account of forensic analysis of human skeletal remains, and its application in tackling major historical and archaeological issues.

Lyman, R. (1994).
Vertebrate Taphonomy
Taphonomy studies the transition of organic matter from the biosphere into the geological record. Detailed examples of how particular analytical techniques are applied and what the results signify. Several new insights to the underpinning assumptions of various analytic techniques in common use today.

Oconnor, T. (2000).
The Archaeology of Animal Bones
Animal bones are one of the most abundant types of evidence found in archaeological sites from prehistoric times to the middle ages. The can give us a striking insight into the economy and way of life of people in the distant past. This book offers a lucid and accessible introduction to the principles and methods involved in the study of this vital category of archaeological material.

Reitz, E., Wing, E. (1999).
Zooarchaeology.
Zooarchaeology is a detailed reference manual for students and professional archaeologists interested in identifying and analysing animal remains from archaeological sites. Extensively illustrated and referenced and drawing on data worldwide and from different periods. Contains a large number of hypothetical examples for use in instruction in a range of methodological issues.

Archaeological Methods | Material Analysis | Other Archaeology Fields | Europe | Romania
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