Artifact Classification

A Conceptual and Methodological Approach

Dwight W Read

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English

Left Coast Press Inc
30 April 2009

Archaeological theory; Archaeological methodology & techniques

Archaeologists have been developing artifact typologies to understand cultural categories for as long as the discipline has existed. Dwight Read examines these attempts to systematize the cultural domains in premodern societies through a historical study of pottery typologies. He then offers a methodology for producing classifications that are both salient to the cultural groups that produced them and relevant for establishing cultural categories and timelines for the archaeologist attempting to understand the relationship between material culture and ideational culture of ancient societies. This volume is valuable to upper level students and professional archaeologists across the discipline.

By: Dwight W Read
Imprint: Left Coast Press Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 23mm
Weight: 494g
ISBN: 9781598741032
ISBN 10: 1598741039
Pages: 364
Publication Date: 30 April 2009
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1: Introduction; 2: Historical Background; 3: Pottery Typologies; 4: From Intuitive to Objective Classifications; 5: Objective Classification: Goals and Problems; 6: Artifact Measurement; 7: Production and Categorization Sequences; 8: Quantitative Classification: Methodology; 9: Patterning Based on Type Frequency Counts; 10: Style, Function, Neutral Traits, Evolution, and Classification; 11: Conclusions

Dwight W. Read is Professor of Anthropology and Statistics at UCLA. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a recognized expert in quantitative archaeology. He has written over 100 articles on theory, analytic methods, kinship, computer applications, biological anthropology, and field projects from California to the Kalahari.

Reviews for Artifact Classification: A Conceptual and Methodological Approach

"""'Eleven carefully crafted, thoughtful chapters span the history, method, and theory of the classification of material culture. Among other topics, Read considers intuitive and objective classifications, paradigms, patterning, numerical taxonomy, modality, and variable redundancy. Read\'s research on stone tools and ceramics and his pedagogical skills help fine tune the narrative and make a difficult, complex subject informative, instructive, and readable. Summing Up: Highly recommended.' CHOICE --This text refers to the Library Binding edition. ""This important contribution summarises a lifetime involvement with teaching, developing and debating approaches to artifact classification Dwight Read brings to this task his own varied contributions and highly developed logical and mathematical skills...it is a valuable study of some key issues in and approaches to archaeological practice."" - David Frankel, Australian Archaeology"""