Archaeolgy, Part 6
Question 1: Discuss ways of studying ancient diets to gain insight into the culture.
Answer 1: Often, food remains can be found directly at archaeological sites at hearths or trash piles. They are generally separated using flotation methods and then identified by comparison using other bones, seeds, or nuts. Examination of animal carcasses is utilized to gain insight into hunting practices or ritualistic use of animals. Wear patterns on the dentition of the humans can suggest their diet. Examination of human bones can provide information about dietary deficiencies and composition. For example, carbon isotope analysis comparing the 12C:13C ratio in bones can indicate the types of plants in the diet. Plants that were in the region can be identified by examining phytoliths or microscopic, species-specific, opal silica bodies. In dry places where organic materials are better preserved, prehistoric feces (termed paleofeces or coprolites) can be analyzed.
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Question 2: Discuss methods of reconstructing the social structure and ideology of ancient cultures.
Answer 2: The social structure of an ancient culture is principally the pattern of marriage and living arrangements. By studying the postmarital residence pattern or place where married couples lived, ancient societies can be typed as primarily matrilocal or patrilocal. This means the married couple lived with either the wife’s or husband’s family. Social systems can often be inferred by looking at all archaeological remains. For example, if artifacts typically made or used by women or men (such as pottery or spearheads) are found only in certain areas, the postmarital pattern can be ascertained. The ideology or belief system of a culture can be inferred by looking at things like burial practices.
Question 3: Discuss techniques for determining trade patterns of ancient peoples..
Answer 3: Trade patterns can be ascertained by analyzing artifacts to determine the original source of raw materials. Three of the most commonly used techniques are petrographic analysis, trace element analysis, and neutron activation analysis. In petrographic analysis, slivers of rock are removed from a stone artifact and inspected microscopically. If the morphology observed matches other known rock sources, the origin can be traced. Trace element analysis is based on the observation that many materials have small or trace amounts of other elements characteristic of the region of origin. Neutron activation analysis is a highly-sensitive type of trace element analysis for chemical characterization of raw materials.
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