Stratigraphic and material interpretations of site evidence : investigations towards the nature of archaeological deposits

This dissertation addresses the failure in common practice to fully integrate different parts of the archaeological record systematically, thus leading to a breakdown between excavation theory and practice. The relationship between deposit and assemblage, and thereby the use of deposit status designation is examined. A more accurate definition of status is adopted, overcoming the conceptual inadequacy linking find to deposit. The analysis of status is based on the following basic assumptions: firstly, that status is the relationship between the find and the context; secondly, that this relationship is based upon information on the function, chronology and spatial characteristics of the finds and contexts. With the concept of deposit status established, this thesis presents a method that ates all the relevant elements of the archaeological record that enable an understanding of deposit signatures; deposits and assemblages. Deposit types are examined, checking the relationships between basic physical descriptions and interpreted function. Assemblage data for ceramics and faunal remains are integrated based upon quantification that reflects their separate formafion histories. The resulting deposit signatures provide a platform for new and interesting means of reating site narrative. The new narratives reflect developments and changes in eposit formation, and ultimately, the landuse history of a site. This thesis demonstrates that the integration of finds and site data allows for more fruitful interpretation of excavation data. This approach helps to match site details with specific research agendas in both academic and commercial contexts, and can help achieve the maximum potential for research output.