Within the scope of this thesis, a macro-botanical investigation was undertaken of 500 ml sediment of samples from two wells (North-4 and South-10) and a well-like feature (South-22) from a...Show moreWithin the scope of this thesis, a macro-botanical investigation was undertaken of 500 ml sediment of samples from two wells (North-4 and South-10) and a well-like feature (South-22) from a Merovingian settlement (6th/7th century) near Oegstgeest, as well as an additional very-small-macro-botanical investigation (250-100 micrometres) of 5 ml sediment and a micro-botanical quick scan investigation of feature South-22. The Merovingian settlement was partly exposed during the Oegstgeest Nieuw Rhijngeest Zuid 2009 excavation by the Faculty of Archaeology (University of Leiden). Three research aims formed the basis of the archaeobotanical investigations: 1) the Merovingian vegetation, 2) the Merovingian cultivated or used plants, and 3) the nature of feature South-22, which might have been a cesspit. All three features showed a similar image of the Merovingian vegetation. Two methods were used to reconstruct the vegetation: a simplistic method of Arnolds & Van der Maarel (1979) and an additional phytosociological study. The Merovingian settlement next to the course of the Oude Rijn was situated in an open landscape which was regularly under influence of sea water. Intertwined grassland-, arable field- and salt marsh vegetations were bordering the river. Further on, forests were present at the elevated places in the landscape, on the old dunes and at the peat soils. Three cultivated products have been found in the southern part of the settlement: Linum usitatissimum (linseed/common flax) which was probably cultivitated at the higher salt marshes surroundings the Merovingian settlement and Secale cereale (rye) which was probably cultivated at the high old dunes. Vitis vinifera (common grape vine) was also consumed in that period, but probably as dried grapes that were imported. In addition to these cultivated species, the Merovingian people were able to gather many other plants from the natural vegetation, either for consumption, construction or cosmetics. Closer investigation of feature South-22 revealed that the feature has never been a cesspit, for no characterizing features of excrement, such as an abundancy of fragments of cereals grains, fruit stones, fragments of several species of cereal accompanying weeds or mammal and fish bones have been found. The presence of eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura (human-intestinal parasites) was not enough to decide that the deposit was made of human excrement. The remarkable composition of the fillings is due to the nature of the refuse (leather) that has been thrown into the well after it became out of use and not to the nature of the feature itself.Show less
This thesis presents the results and conclusions of a detailed typo- and technological analysis of a selection of the flint material and the spatial distribution of those flints from the site...Show moreThis thesis presents the results and conclusions of a detailed typo- and technological analysis of a selection of the flint material and the spatial distribution of those flints from the site Neumark Nord 2/2 in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The material originates from a east-west trench covering the entire width of the excavation and measuring 2 by 19 metres. The typo- and technological analysis shows that the flakes were made from small cores of relatively bad quality. The tools are made on the larger flakes and consist of simple modifications. The results of the primary analysis are then compared to the results of two primary analysis from last year on the same assemblage. This resulted in some minor differences that were mainly caused by discrepancies between the analysers and not the assemblage. The spatial distribution of the finds showed no clear patterns, only that the finds are concentrated in the centre area of the trench and decline towards the western and eastern part. The comparison between the six different findlayers also showed no satisfying results, only that the lithics from each layer are very similar. This might indicate that the Neumark Nord 2/2 assemblage represents a single occupation phase, but further research is needed and possibly refitting can solve this problem.Show less
The municipality of Oss (Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands) is one of the most archaeologically heavily researched areas of the Netherland and maybe even Europe. While the Iron Age, Roman period and...Show moreThe municipality of Oss (Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands) is one of the most archaeologically heavily researched areas of the Netherland and maybe even Europe. While the Iron Age, Roman period and Middle Ages are well represented in the publications concerning Oss, the Bronze Age has been scarcely researched. This main goal of this thesis is to shed a light on this period by means of dating features using ceramics as a dating method and thereby sketching a brief picture of the habitation of the area during the Bronze Age. At the same time the ceramics research is used to take a closer look at what is known about Bronze Age pottery sequences and to demonstrate any falsehoods, if there are any. Features containing more than ten fragments of pottery (not including grit) were described, divided per excavation and per feature type. Extra attention was given to structures of a datable type and features of which a C14 date was available. During the research it became clear that the traditional division of the Bronze Age in ‘early’, ‘middle’ and ‘late’ would not suffice as a partition. In the end there were four distinct periods to examine: ‘late’ Early Bronze Age and Middle Bronze Age A, Middle Bronze Age B and ‘early’ Late Bronze Age, Late Bronze Age and ‘late’ Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age. In years this would respectively be: ±1850 BC – 1500 BC, 1500 BC – ±1075 BC, ±1075 BC - ±875 BC, ±875 BC – 500 BC. The ‘early’ and ‘late’ Late Bronze Age are assumed to be periods of about 75 years. The features of the examined ceramics matched up quite well to the proposed model. Some variables did not accord to the model but, in general, the model as proposed suited this research quite well. The ‘late’ Early Bronze Age and the Middle Bronze Age A are a period of relatively low amounts of features. This could mean that habitation levels were low in this period but, as structures from this period are badly recognized, there could have been more habitation then expected from the numbers of features. In the Middle Bronze Age B a rise in feature numbers is apparent as is the number in houses. As features from this period are recognized as such it seems habitation peaks at this period of the Bronze Age. There are only three features recognized as Late Bronze Age. Again there is a problem with recognisability of features from this period. It is assumed that habitation levels stagnated and people moved closer to the river Meuse, which was further away from Oss-North in this period than in the previous or following periods. In the ‘late’ Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age all researched excavations were again inhabited, very similar to the image one gets from the Middle Bronze Age B.Show less
Among the earliest depictions of riders mounted astride horses in the Near East, and elsewhere, a collection of 3rd‐2nd millennium BC baked clay plaques from what is now Iraq are some of the most...Show moreAmong the earliest depictions of riders mounted astride horses in the Near East, and elsewhere, a collection of 3rd‐2nd millennium BC baked clay plaques from what is now Iraq are some of the most detailed, and as such, informative in regards to the early development of riding. The style of riding they depict, however, is neither representative of modern techniques nor that of the style of riding described in later ancient riding manuals. Analysis of these plaques by various specialists has led to a number of interpretive theories regarding this unusual riding posture. These theories have mainly focused on both cultural perspectives and traditional concepts which associate riding with a particular status, as well as on the physical challenges presented by this new form of equid. In this thesis I propose to re‐evaluate a sample of these plaques along with two of the leading interpretive models. These will then be weighed against data collected by means of an ethnographic research element wherein a variety of horseback riders have been interviewed in regards to the possibility and practicality of riding in the manner depicted on the plaques. Such an undertaking aims to offer new perspectives on older interpretive models and in so doing shed further light on the ongoing debate regarding the earliest developmental phases of horseback riding in the Near East.Show less
In my thesis I have studied the use of both quantitative and qualitative selective measures, as an instrument of archaeological heritage management in Dutch municipal archaeological policies. These...Show moreIn my thesis I have studied the use of both quantitative and qualitative selective measures, as an instrument of archaeological heritage management in Dutch municipal archaeological policies. These measures are used in the process of valuing archaeological remains, in order to determine whether or not they are considered to be worthy of preservation. Currently, they are increasingly the topic of debate, as their effects can be both positive and negative, depending on the view of the beholder. First, I have made an overview of the presence of municipal archaeological policy in general. In total, 254 out of the 430 Dutch municipal administrations have or are developing an archaeological policy and 292 an archaeological map. Of these, 186 use the quantitative selective measure of limits which exempt certain areas of the requirement to archaeologically research them before disturbances beforehand. Qualitative selective measures are much rarer and are used by only 22 municipal administrations. Their use is a relatively recent development, but growing in number. Secondly, I have studied the selective measures in more detail. I started with listing the limits of exemption currently in use and showed that they are very diverse. This is mainly caused by a lack of knowledge on their effects on the archaeological heritage, although this effect might theoretically be both big and negative. Instead, the use of limits of exemption is mainly motivated by non-archaeological interests, like reducing the amount of archaeological research which is needed and its costs. Therefore, although for archaeologists the use of these limits might be a cause for concern, it might be beneficial for other stakeholders. Next, I have studied the qualitative measures and their effects. This showed that a bias exists in the composition of the final selection which are made. Certain periods and research themes are prioritised, while others are neglected. Again, this might be a cause of concern, mainly for archaeologists, as this threatens the representativeness of the archaeological heritage, both in situ and by record. My study has also shown that there are several methods of making a selection and measures which are used in implementing these, which are heavily influenced by the author of the selective policy. Although municipal administrations can formulate their own policy, they may also hire a commercial archaeological consultant agency to do this for them. I have noticed that most of the selective policies were written by one of these agencies, Past2Present. This gives them a large influence, as these policies are based on their views, their methods and the judgements of their archaeologists, used in the method of composing a selection, even though the municipal council still has to agree by officially confirming the policy. Past2Present is a main proponent of using selective measures and indeed all of their policies contain these. Next, I have studied the aims for using qualitative selective measures and the general and specific motivations behind them. I have concluded that these are mainly non-archaeological. The main aim is to reduce the amount of archaeological research which is needed, although selective measures may also aim to structure the gathering of knowledge, gain more local knowledge, strengthen the local identity or make the process of valuation and selection more transparent. The main motivations behind this are practical and economical and based on local interests. In general, I consider these motivations to be insufficient, as in my opinion they do not motivate strongly enough why certain archaeological remains should not be preserved, especially not from an archaeological point of view. Thirdly, I have mapped the stakeholders which are involved, their interests, which may conflict, and their influence. Currently, archaeologists still have most the most influence over the process, but the balance of power seems to be shifting. For example, the main aims and motivations for using selective measures already reflect mainly non-archaeological interests. They are mainly practical and economical and are not focused on gathering as much knowledge of the past as possible. In addition, both quantitatively and quantitatively selecting might have a negative effect on the amount and representativeness of the archaeological heritage and the knowledge it potentially contains. Again, this is especially a cause for concern for archaeologists. On the other hand, for example, spatial developers may benefit, as less archaeological research is needed and for them costs are lowered. In conclusion, I have identified several developments and practices, which, for me as an archaeologist, are causes for concern. Therefore, it is important that the debate on the subject of using selective measures as an instrument of archaeological heritage management in Dutch municipal archaeological policies continues. With my thesis I hope to add facts and figures on the current situation, which were lacking before. Hopefully this will result in better arguments to be presented in favour of adjusting the current measures, which I consider to have a negative effect on the archaeological heritage.Show less
In 2004 the remains of at least twenty individuals have been found in a medieval family grave in the St. Willibrordus church in Deurne. The grave was thought to belong to members of the van Doerne...Show moreIn 2004 the remains of at least twenty individuals have been found in a medieval family grave in the St. Willibrordus church in Deurne. The grave was thought to belong to members of the van Doerne family (15th and 16th century AD). Physical anthropological, genealogical, and DNA analysis was performed in order to obtain information that would allow us to identify these individuals. For this thesis additional DNA analysis was performed on seven individuals. By means of autosomal and Y-chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis and Hyper Variable Region 1 (HVR1) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, we attempted to reconstruct possible family relationships among these seven individuals. The probabilities of the reconstructed family relationships were estimated using specific statistical analysis. This allowed us to reconstruct a possible family tree. We also explored the possibilities of linking the reconstructed family tree to the existing genealogy.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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In the last centuries the Hopi in general and their calendar and its accompanying body of beliefs, rituals and deities in particular have caught the attention of many non-indigenous people. Many...Show moreIn the last centuries the Hopi in general and their calendar and its accompanying body of beliefs, rituals and deities in particular have caught the attention of many non-indigenous people. Many publications have been written, though few of them contain the Hopis perspective or acknowledge that there are some subjects which are too sensitive or even too sacred to be written down. Nevertheless these publications have shaped our image of the Hopi and their calendar and have lead to extensive discussions with regard to e.g. their age, origin or influences from Mesoamerican cultures. Interpretations from these old anthropologists and archaeologists appear often to be taken for granted and are hardly critically assessed. Therefore, this thesis questions that what we think we know about the Hopi calendar, its predecessor, and the beliefs, rituals and deities accompanying it.Show less
