This theoretical thesis investigates the interaction between humans and matter and its effect on human cognitive evolution. Materiality plays a key role in human life, humans transforming and...Show moreThis theoretical thesis investigates the interaction between humans and matter and its effect on human cognitive evolution. Materiality plays a key role in human life, humans transforming and shaping their surrounding environment. They express emotions and transmit knowledge through objects which in return influences them cognitively, driving their creativity. Neuroarchaeologies represent an appealing avenue for elucidating the interconnection between archaeological remains and studies of the brain. Nevertheless, the definition of materiality through the involvement of Material Engagement Theory as a theoretical approach is not sufficiently precise. Indeed, as it defines materiality as a composition of social and physical aspects, it necessitates the inclusion of subjectivity within the research. Moreover, the epistemological position of the framework implying superiority of Cognitive Archaeology as the main theoretical framework leads to a misunderstanding among researchers as well as minimizing the possibilities of new methods to understand human cognitive life. However, by elucidating the geometry of the shapes of environmental objects as the main analytical aspect, it is possible to bridge the practical and theoretical gap between archaeology based on the study of lithic tools and neuroscience, which relies on the study of the neuronal structures of the human brain through brain imaging in order to gain insight into human cognitive evolution. This redefinition of materiality allows to emphasise the existence of a form of mathematical and spatial sequence languages based on fundamental principles necessary for any animals as well as humans to grasp their environmental reality. The geometric language, built on the foundations of the two previous ones, could therefore be innate and inherent to humans. Furthermore, this approach facilitates the comprehension of the significance of neuronal plasticity and metaplasticity for learning and memorisation, which are essential for intergenerational transmission. These processes, relying on neurobiological mechanisms, permit the consideration of the existential link between archaeological data, formal tools, and their influence on the development of the human brain via synaptogenesis and synaptic epigenesis, or even via a set of epigenetic mechanisms influenced by the environment and interaction. This perspective thus necessitates the establishment of a novel field of research, designated as Evolutionary Neuroarchaeology. This field of study will adopt a holistic and co-transdisciplinary approach, involving researchers at the core of the methods they employ for research. Moreover, this new approach engages scientists to place their work in a more animal-friendly position in order to minimize the impact of human research on them by initiating the adoption of new non-invasive methods and by adopting a more ethical approach to their work. In conclusion, the results obtained and the new methodology allow to bridge the gap between practice and theory in neuroarchaeology research. This enables to gain a deeper understanding of the singularity of the human cognitive system.Show less
In recent years, bioarchaeologists have begun to research the co-occurrence of rickets and vitamin C deficiency or scurvy, which can be seen as part of the increased interest in recognizing and...Show moreIn recent years, bioarchaeologists have begun to research the co-occurrence of rickets and vitamin C deficiency or scurvy, which can be seen as part of the increased interest in recognizing and diagnosing co-occurring conditions (Brickley & Morgan, 2023, p.638). Although it is possible to assume the phenomenon of co-occurrence also occurred in the past, detailed analyses of affected individuals are very rarely found in paleopathological literature (Schattmann et al., 2016, p.63). The co-occurrence of scurvy and rickets has been studied by clinicians, but few reports exist in paleopathological literature. The symptoms of both rickets and scurvy affect each other: for example, a vitamin C deficiency result in reduced osteoblastic activity and might therefore suppress the long bone bending deformities as is characteristic of rickets (Brickley & Ives 2020, p.232).In 1971, radiologist and pediatrician Alfred Weiss from the Beilinson Hospital in Petah-Tiqva, Israel, introduced what he called ‘the scapular sign’; a rachitic induced change in the inferior angle of the scapula in growing individuals, which to date, has been getting little attention in rickets focused clinical research or in palaeopathology (Weiss, 1971, p.633; Ives, Swan & Humphrey, 2023, p.61). Because of the lack of research into Alfred Weiss’ scapula sign with regards to diagnosing rickets, it is interesting to study whether the presence of the scapula sign might have a correlation with scurvy or the co-occurrence of rickets and scurvy. This master thesis will therefore focus on exploring whether the scapula sign is indeed an indicator for rickets like Weiss (1971) poses, or also for scurvy, or if the sign might be unrelated after all.Show less
Central Europe during the third millenium BC is characterized by changing cultures and high mobility. One of the cultures at the start of the millennium is the Corded Ware Culture (CWC), deviating...Show moreCentral Europe during the third millenium BC is characterized by changing cultures and high mobility. One of the cultures at the start of the millennium is the Corded Ware Culture (CWC), deviating from the Neolithic farmers and inheriting cultural traits from the Yamnaya-culture in the east, such as language, ideology and burial traditions. One of these burial traditions is the placement of dog remains in CWC burials. In previous research, dog teeth have been noted to be jewellery, purely aesthetic. These artefacts are also linked to the female gender. On the other hand, complete dogs are linked to the male gender and are noted to be higher valued as representation of the third millennium BC ideology. These conclusions are drawn based on the excavated burial complex, and perhaps one other correlated complex. At the time of writing this thesis, the archaeological research is lacking an overview of dog remains in CWC burials in Central Europe, and therefore a (supra)regional understanding of the dog motif. This thesis aims to elevate the practice of dog remains in burials, and therefore the dog motif, to a level higher than ‘just ornamental’ by answering the research question: How do patterns in the deposition of dog remains in third millennium BC burial sites in Central Europe inform us about the representation of dogs in Corded Ware Culture communities? With the sample data set of CWC burials from Central Europe patterns are traced by comparing burial types, orientation, flexing positions, age groups, types of remains and their placement within different types of depositions, and other burial goods. Based on these patterns, the thesis argues that the dog motif transitioned into referencing ancestry of both local Neolithic farmers as of the Yamnaya-nomads through a process called hybridization. The motif is linked to the high mobility of the period, due to the migratory character of wolves. The material representation functions also as a beacon for travelers, and as a mode of storytelling to mark boundaries the traveler is also part of or warned not to cross. The supraregional motif is spread, however, the implementation of the practice of wearing dog teeth is locally different. Especially canines were telling markers, because their shape was imitated in other animal bone in 25% of the burials. These were only encountered with left-flexed individuals, whereas the complete dogs seem to be linked, although not exclusively, to right-flexed individuals. The burial practice of placing dog remains in CWC burials could be one of the signs of the transformation from Neolithic Europe to the Early Bronze AgeShow less
The estimation of age-at-death is an important subject in osteoarchaeology, and new methods are constantly being created. However, these methods need to be analysed for their accuracy to understand...Show moreThe estimation of age-at-death is an important subject in osteoarchaeology, and new methods are constantly being created. However, these methods need to be analysed for their accuracy to understand the implications. Smith et al. (2021) created a new age estimation method which uses the measurements of seven bones of the skull to estimate the age through a regression model for individuals between the age of 0 and 12. This thesis uses the non-adult individuals of the Middenbeemster collection which have a known chronological age (n=52) to compare their archival age to the age that is estimated by this method. Furthermore, this thesis uses the same bones and measurements to create new regression models which could be more applicable to the Middenbeemster collection and the population of Dutch individuals. Statistical analysis shows however, that the Smith et al. (2021) method is not as accurate as their research paper suggest. Instead, merely ten of the twenty-eight estimation methods were reported to be as accurate as the study suggested. Several of these were most likely accurate as the entire estimation range encompassed the age range it is reported to estimate. The estimated ages were compared without standard deviation with a Wilcoxon signed rank test. This showed that the occipital basilar and the frontal bone were comparable for under 2 years, and the occipital squamous and occipital basilar were comparable for over 2 years of age. The regression formulae which were created on the basis of this study were also shown to be inaccurate, as nearly all failed to adhere to the assumptions of a regression model. The research showed that the basilar part of the occipital and the frontal bone are the most accurate bones to use for the Smith et al. (2021) method.Show less
The world of ships and shipping was, according to stories and pictures in different forms, a world that was dominated by men. Women don't seem welcome on board of ships as they would cause bad luck...Show moreThe world of ships and shipping was, according to stories and pictures in different forms, a world that was dominated by men. Women don't seem welcome on board of ships as they would cause bad luck, do not have the capabilities to work on a ship, and would only distract the men. These kinds of stories are related to the ships that travelled greater voyages across the oceans, but what about inland shipping? Were women not welcome there either, or is knowledge about this limited due to a lack of research? In line with the research into habitation on board inland vessels by A.F.L. van Holk (1997), this thesis investigates the presence of women and children on board inland vessels in the period from 1500 to 1900, based on the material remains from ship excavations in the Zuiderzee area in the collection of the National Maritime Depot in Lelystad. The finds were selected based on a fixed set of keywords related to women and/or children. In order to be able to place (the research into) the finds in a framework, the historical and archaeological context were investigated first. The historical context shows that the Zuiderzee was a busy place with loads of ships sailing on it and that habitation on board became more and more common during the research period, mainly on cargo ships. The classification of the investigated ships based on period and function was in line with the historical sources. The archaeological context shows that almost all ships were excavated in a period in which the quality of excavation, research and documentation was much lower than today and that this influences the interpretation of the finds. This became particularly apparent during the research into the finds. Based on the results of the research into the finds themselves, it can be concluded that the archaeological sources used in this research are not completely reliable and incomplete. They must therefore be supplemented with other sources. In addition to the historical and archaeological sources, oral transfer of knowledge was used, in the form of a conversation with a family of inland vessel skippers. This conversation not only gave this research a more specific, personal picture of the reality of life on board inland vessels, but also a new insight into the archaeological sources. In conclusion, it can be said that archaeological sources can mainly tell something about the presence of women and children on board inland vessels. However, these sources cannot tell much about their role. Other sources are needed for this, such as historical and oral source material. In addition, it can be concluded that, in contrast to vessels sailing the ocean, where women do not seem welcome and where there seems to be no place for a family, inland shipping appears to be shipping filled with family activity.Show less
This thesis investigates the impact of feminist approaches in archaeology, with a specific application to Ancient Nubia through a re-evaluation of George Andrew Reisner's excavations in the...Show moreThis thesis investigates the impact of feminist approaches in archaeology, with a specific application to Ancient Nubia through a re-evaluation of George Andrew Reisner's excavations in the Southern and Western Cemeteries of Meroe. The analysis focuses on the burial practices of two cemeteries, the items found in the graves, and the potential misinterpretations made by Reisner. It also looks at how Reisner's racist and colonial biases influenced his investigations. The gendered perspective in Nubia began in studies and excavations of prehistoric or protohistoric sites. However, recently, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of incorporating feminist archaeology in all aspects and periods of Nubian archaeology. This thesis shows how gender and feminist approaches can transform Nubian archaeology, revealing that patriarchal biases have influenced archaeological stories. Using a feminist archaeology approach in Nubian studies helps us better understand concepts and individuals who have been historically overlooked in traditional narratives. By challenging these biases, the research reinterprets excavations more accurately and acknowledges the contributions of all individuals in Nubian society. The primary literature used includes Dows Dunham's publication of Reisner’s archaeological records during the campaign of the Meroitic cemeteries: Royal Cemeteries of Kush (1957), along with various books and articles that critique traditional androcentric theories and highlight the development and impact of feminist archaeological theories in nubia and archaeology in general. Reisner’s early 20th -century excavations in Kush widely impacted Kushite archaeology and the view of ancient Nubia culture that was projected into the world. However, this study aims to look again through the funerary spaces and material culture to reexamine those assumptions about gender in Nubia based on grave goods. It also analyses the different aspects of the burials that could give us an insight into family connections, gender dynamics and roles or inter-gender relations. It is further claimed that after re-studying the few burials that were sexed by Reisner, there was no kinetic study or step-by-step dynamics relevant enough to say that this is right. It is concluded, therefore, that a scientific re-study of these sites should be carried out in order to sex the people and, in turn, to investigate the genre in depth. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that feminist approaches to Nubian archaeology uncover overlooked perspectives and challenge patriarchal biases, leading to a more inclusive understanding of ancient Kush society. The re-evaluation of Reisner's excavations through a feminist framework is used to demonstrate the great inaccuracies that those 20th-century excavations have introduced, and the necessity of re-assessing its aspects to aim for a more accurate historical narrative. It also sets the stage for future research that prioritises inclusivity, diversity, and ethical engagement.Show less
This thesis presents an osteometrical analysis of Sus scrofa (wild boar) and Sus domesticus (domesticated pig) in order to assess the contribution of the wild and domestic forms as well as the size...Show moreThis thesis presents an osteometrical analysis of Sus scrofa (wild boar) and Sus domesticus (domesticated pig) in order to assess the contribution of the wild and domestic forms as well as the size of animals during the Bronze Age in selected Dutch sites. It investigated the role of domestic pigs and wild boars in the Netherlands during its Bronze Age (2000 B.C.E. – 800 B.C.E.) in order to further understand the human-suid relationship through subsistence practices. It incorporated the “Logratio Size Index Scaling Technique” analysis (Meadow, 1981) on collected post-cranial and dental measurements of suids that are available through publication. The results showcased that the majority of the suid population across the country were domestic pigs. These results were then compared with Late Mesolithic/Early Neolithic LSI values (Brusgaard et al., 2022) using the same methodology. This along with the quantification data, it proved that the suids clearly decreased in size, and secondly it highlighted the pig exploitation activity that was present in the Netherlands. Comparative studies were done with Brusgaard et al. (2022) data, Hadjikoumis (2010) PhD on Iberian Peninsula pig domestication across prehistory, and Aegean-Anatolian pig exploitation in Late Bronze Age. All three case studies and this thesis suggest a cultural, environmental, social reasons for the choices behind pig exploitation strategy and the associated human relationship.Show less
Intolerance and hate towards transgender, non-binary and otherwise gender-nonconforming people in (western) society has increased in recent years. The spread of misinformation about the transgender...Show moreIntolerance and hate towards transgender, non-binary and otherwise gender-nonconforming people in (western) society has increased in recent years. The spread of misinformation about the transgender community and censorship of LGBTQIA+ topics in schools are two examples of how the political far-right promotes this trend, but they are also examples of things where museums can have a positive societal impact by engaging with the public about gender diversity. The aim of this thesis is to compile an overview of exhibitions which engage with the topic of gender diversity and discuss if museums are contributing enough to the ongoing societal debates about gender and transgender rights from the perspective of the wishes and needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. To compile the overview and to learn about how museums approach the topic of gender diversity web-based and literature research was used. To compare the findings of this research to how the LGBTQIA+ community actually wants to see museums engage with gender diversity a survey was constructed in Qualtrics and distributed through social media. The theoretical study of sexuality and gender (queer theory) is applied in a museum context to challenge established cis-gendered and heterosexual norms in a process known as queering. This queering can be performed in various ways, but the favored strategy in the exhibitions compiled and discussed in this thesis is temporary queer exhibition making with varying degrees of community engagement. The degree of community engagement seemed to be increasing over time, especially in art exhibitions, and there was also a difference between art and cultural/historical exhibitions in how they balance the representation/validation of transgender identities with educating the wider public on gender diversity, with art exhibitions focusing more on representation and cultural/historical exhibitions on education. However, there were few examples of cultural/historical exhibitions which engaged with the topic of gender diversity. The LGBTQIA+ community and its allies are clearly dissatisfied with the amount and quality of positive representation of transgender identities and experiences in museum, but there is a significant interest in seeing representation of diverse gender identities and historical aspects of gender covered in museums. While there are indeed examples of exhibitions which meet the needs and wishes of the LGBTQIA+ community, they are still relatively few and most of them are only temporary exhibitions. However, there does appear to be an increasing awareness among museum professionals of the need for the queering of museums at a fundamental level and these temporary exhibitions could be the start of this.Show less
Museum practices and Egyptology have a complex and intense relation from which ethical and historiographical matters arise. The origins of Egyptology as a discipline are closely related to colonial...Show moreMuseum practices and Egyptology have a complex and intense relation from which ethical and historiographical matters arise. The origins of Egyptology as a discipline are closely related to colonial tendencies. Therefore, creating significant museum collections in European nations is not exempt from controversy. This thesis aims to analyse the three main collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in Spain to assess how their institutional difference (i.e. public, private, religious) and the Egyptological tradition have influenced their museum practices and narratives. In doing so, the Museo Arqueológico Nacional, the Museu Egipci de Barcelona, and the Museu de Montserrat’s collections are investigated through visits to their exhibition and interviews with the responsible curators. Given that the Spanish context is only now starting to see critique museological and Egyptological approaches, this research identifies common threads and differences in the creation process and current practice of three museums with a solid link to early collecting and academic research in the country.Show less
Context is important for the sake of understanding. This is especially important for museums in order to become a space that benefits societies and contributes to questions and challenges posed by...Show moreContext is important for the sake of understanding. This is especially important for museums in order to become a space that benefits societies and contributes to questions and challenges posed by the modern world. The importance of teaching people about other cultures is to make them understand each other and where in their differences they are alike. Where ignorance stands at the base of indifference and conflict, conversance can instigate understanding and respect. This thesis is centred around an object from the collection of the Wereldmuseum in Amsterdam; a hood made by the Ashaninka of the Rio Ene valley on the eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andean mountains. The research aims on the one hand to understand the object and its original context, which includes a species identification of the floral and faunal species represented on the object. On the other hand this research aims at understanding the object’s museal history and the role of the museum in provenance related questions.Show less
Osteoarchaeological research is focused on profiling and understanding human remains of the past. The goal is to gather as much information as possible from the human remains. The first steps, and...Show moreOsteoarchaeological research is focused on profiling and understanding human remains of the past. The goal is to gather as much information as possible from the human remains. The first steps, and arguably the most important ones, are the estimation of sex, age and stature. These form the base of any osteoarchaeological research and help build a profile of the research population. The determination of an individual’s sex, age and stature will always be an estimation and can never be determined with 100% accuracy. This also means the process of building a profile is very time consuming. This difficulty is often exaggerated by the preservation of the human remains and methodology used. Osteoarchaeology also suffers greatly from inter and intraobserver variation. These problems become more severe when the sample size gets larger or when more traits are examined. Due to these problems, osteoarchaeological research can be very difficult and is never an exact science. Researchers are constantly trying to develop new methods to reduce the amount of time it takes to estimate sex, age and stature and to get the highest accuracy rates possible. For sex estimation, the skull and pelvis are regarded as the two most reliable aspects of the human skeleton. Several different methods have been developed focusing on these two aspects. New methods are often developed on a regional reference population. To implement such a method in a different region or country it is necessary to test its effectiveness on skeletal material with known data. In this thesis, a mathematical approach to sex estimation called the Diagnose Sexuelle Probabiliste method (DSP) is tested on a skeletal collection from the Middenbeemster, the Netherlands. Archival data was available for 118 individuals, of which 99 were eligible for the DSP method. The DSP method uses 4 to 10 measurements of the os coxa to estimate the chance of the individual being male or female. The big upside of this method, compared to other commonly used methods, is its ease of use. No extensive knowledge of the human skeleton is needed to gather the required measurement data for the method to be used. Even so, the creators of the method claim high accuracy levels and imply that DSP is equally, if not more, reliable than other existing methods. The results of this thesis indicate that, on Dutch populations, the DSP method is as accurate and robust as the creators claim. For the 99 individuals, DSP was able to estimate the sex of 85 of them (86%), with an accuracy of 97.6%. Only 2 individuals were incorrectly estimated to be male. From the measurements of the remaining 14 individuals the DSP method could not estimate the sex with enough certainty, leaving these individuals as undetermined. The DSP method proves to be robust and very accurate on Dutch skeletal material and should be considered a viable method for the estimation of sex. The ease of use of this method, compared to other sex estimation methods, is its strongest aspect. The method is not time consuming and can be performed without extensive knowledge on the subject, which could save a lot of time and effort in (osteo)archaeological research in the Netherlands.Show less
The Aurignacian technocomplex represents one of the earliest Anatomically Modern Human populations in Europe. This cultural tradition dates from approximately 43,000 to 35,000 years ago. The...Show moreThe Aurignacian technocomplex represents one of the earliest Anatomically Modern Human populations in Europe. This cultural tradition dates from approximately 43,000 to 35,000 years ago. The technological differences observed between the earliest two phases of this tradition indicate distinctly separate cultural phases known as the Protoaurignacian and the Early Aurignacian. Zooarchaeological evidence from southwest European cave sites suggest a larger focus on reindeer for subsistence than other mammal taxa during the Early Aurignacian in comparison to Protoaurignacian sites, but it is not yet clear whether this represents a culture-wide shift from generalized hunting strategy to specialization. This thesis explores the evidence for a shift towards specialization from Proto- to Early Aurignacian by collecting faunal assemblage data from seven Proto and eight Early Aurignacian assemblages from ten different sites found across southwestern Europe, and statistically comparing the taxonomic and body-size diversity between the Protoaurignacian and Early Aurignacian phases. I found a significant average reduction in taxonomic diversity and evenness indices from Protoaurignacian to Early Aurignacian, suggesting a shift from a more “generalized” hunting strategy employed by the Protoaurignacian to a “specialized” hunting strategy by the Early Aurignacian. This appeared driven by a preference for the particular ungulate taxon, Rangifer tarandus (reindeer), and not necessarily a preference for reindeer body size. Although additional considerations warrant further investigations, the evidence gleaned from this study strongly imply a deliberate emphasis on particular animal species for sustenance and/or material resources during the Early Aurignacian phase in the southwestern region of Europe.Show less
Underwater cultural heritage litters the ocean's floor and are known, unknown, accesible and inaccesible. Aruba is no different in containing underwater cultural heritage in its waters. This thesis...Show moreUnderwater cultural heritage litters the ocean's floor and are known, unknown, accesible and inaccesible. Aruba is no different in containing underwater cultural heritage in its waters. This thesis aimed at creating an overview of the archaeological underwater cultural heritage present at Aruba dating back to the Archaic (1500 BC - 900/1000AD), Ceramic (900/1000AD - 1515 AD), and the Historic period (1515 - 1973). In addition, the future underwater cultural heritage were also taken into account within this thesis. The significance, the threat factors, and the preservation status were analyzed for the known, unknown, and future underwater cultural heritage in order to create a long term sustainable underwater cultural heritage management plan.Show less
Developments in XRF techniques are significant to the field of archaeology. The introduction of MA-XRF machines to heritage science requires a critical assessment of the potential of this technique...Show moreDevelopments in XRF techniques are significant to the field of archaeology. The introduction of MA-XRF machines to heritage science requires a critical assessment of the potential of this technique for archaeology. This thesis analysis the current applications of MA-XRF in heritage science and evaluates the potential of MA-XRF applications in archaeology. MA-XRF has already successfully been applied in art history. Based on literature analysis of current publications in art history, four common research goals of applying MA-XRF in art history are identified. These goals can be used to draw parallels to study the suitability and potential of applying MA-XRF in archaeology. The four common research goals are studied through common archaeological materials to examine the technique’s potential in archaeology. When no MA-XRF applications exist for a material-research goal combination, the information was supplemented with XRF studies. Additionally, a list of all known European MA-XRF machines is compiled. This list is the first of its kind. The statistics on these machines are collected to give an insight into the variability of the current machines, as well as their development over time. This thesis shows that MA-XRF offers unique benefits to heritage science. The technique’s ability to study inhomogeneous materials makes it suitable for studies on weathered artefacts, which are common in archaeology. In the field of conservation and preservation, MA-XRF could enhance our understanding of an object’s taphonomy. MA-XRF’s elemental maps give insights into material analysis and are able to uncover hidden features, such are weathered pigments. The low attainability of MA-XRF machines negatively impacts the amount of experimentation on archaeological materials. The costs of a machine and the alternatives for material science halter the development of the technique. When technical limitations are resolved, MA-XRF will develop to be more suitable for archaeological research. Future research on the application of MA-XRF in archaeology could focus on the ability to scan three-dimensional objects. Initial studies show that this technique can be realistic for MA-XRF, but not many studies experiment with its application. Additionally, combining non-destructive techniques could enhance the quality of the scans by adding multiple types of material analysis. Development of MA-XRF applications will offer unique benefits and applications to the whole field of heritage science.Show less
Agricultural open-air museums date back to the late 19th century, as it became fashionable to collect examples of local folklife. They collected historic, relocated buildings, furnished them with...Show moreAgricultural open-air museums date back to the late 19th century, as it became fashionable to collect examples of local folklife. They collected historic, relocated buildings, furnished them with original objects, and often enlivened the museum and building with plants, animals, and costumed interpreters. Archaeological open-air museums(AOAMs) were born out of an interest in reconstructing the archaeological past. The first AOAMs were based on pile dwellings discovered in Swiss and German lakes in the late 19th century. AOAMs are popular cultural destinations, but both AOAMs and agricultural open-air museums have faced the critique of inauthenticity. This study discusses how a concern over ‘authenticity’ could prevent different questions about AOAMs from being asked. For example, how can AOAMs engage with the past in a way that is relevant in the present, and for the future? One way to do this is to participate in climate change communication. Current media messaging is often overwhelming, or it presents climate change as contentious. Museums can be important locations for communicating climate change awareness and action in ways that do not centre fear or helplessness. A survey of the literature around climate change communication in museums shows that AOAMs are uniquely placed within museum archaeology to address many aspects of climate change engagement, using various themes and strategies. As museum spaces, they are friendly places to learn about complex issues. As places of archaeological interpretation, they can demonstrate time depth and tell local, personal stories with an affective component. As outdoor spaces, they offer immersive experiences and can facilitate a sense of connection with nature. They can engage visitors with themes of sustainability, biodiversity, and ancient plants, animals, and crafts, and show how these relate to the present. Through museum interpreters and other visitors, as well as narratives and interpretation, they can foster a sense of connection to other people both in the present and in the past. Using the case studies preHistorisch Dorp Eindhoven, Archäologisches Freilichtmuseum Oerlinghausen, and Pfahlbauten Unteruhldingen, this study discusses to what extent the museums are engaging in these themes and strategies, using an analytical framework that pays close attention to the use of various components of the museum – setting, space and layout, display types, subject and text, activities and educational programmes. The research shows that each museum emphasizes different themes and strategies. PreHistorisch Dorp focuses on creating immersive experiences by creating independent activity areas and telling personal stories of life in the past with fictional characters. Archäologisches Freilichtmuseum Oerlinghausen offers many organised events, activities and programmes, which focus mainly on ancient crafts and the connection between people and their environment. Pfahlbauten Unteruhldingen has the Steinzeitparcours, a park/garden area dedicated to encouraging a connection to nature through learning about the uses for various trees in the past. This research shows that there is room for AOAMs in the broader discussion around archaeological museums and climate change, and that they can bring a unique element of direct connection to the visitor experience.Show less
This thesis investigates the daily life of an early medieval community in Central Italy by focusing on the skeletal collection (n = 66) from the ancient site of Satricum dating between the 9th and...Show moreThis thesis investigates the daily life of an early medieval community in Central Italy by focusing on the skeletal collection (n = 66) from the ancient site of Satricum dating between the 9th and 11th century AD, to advance our understanding of this everchanging period. The research employs the study of paleopathology, with a focus on osteoarthritis (OA), osteochondritis dissecans (OD), and periosteal new bone growth (PNB). The skeletal analyses revealed a high prevalence of joint degeneration, particularly in the spine, hip, shoulder, and elbow, while also PNB was recorded in relatively high numbers. The findings suggest that Satricum was a small, self-reliant community engaged in agricultural practices with ongoing physiological stressors. However, the presence of OA might have been influenced by both activity and genetic predisposition due to the long duration of the community settling in Satricum. The study also explored the impact of sex and age. The osteological assessment indicated a potential surplus of males, aligning with demographic patterns of early medieval times, while the identified females showed no distinctive activity markers, prompting further investigation into the "missing women" concept of the Middle Ages. The presence of only five subadults also raised questions about community beliefs, suggesting a potential societal distinction for individuals under the age of seven since no social separation was recognized between the adults and juveniles over that age. Furthermore, the funerary practices exhibited potential indicators of a Christian belief system, such as burial orientation and the absence of grave goods. The reuse of a Roman villa with a possible apsis also hinted at the presence of an ecclesial building. Comparisons with other Central Italian sites of the same period (Albano, Santa Severa, and Colonna) highlighted pathological and demographic commonalities. Therefore, in the broader context, this research contributes to existing knowledge by confirming scholar’s theories about life in rural medieval Central Italy. Finally, this study emphasizes the significance of investigating previously unstudied skeletal collections because these findings not only deepen our understanding of Satricum but also provide a foundation for future research, encouraging diverse approaches to further unravel the complexities of this ancient community.Show less
The commingling of human skeletal remains poses a recurrent challenge for osteoarchaeologists. Prior to any comprehensive analysis, the reassociation of these remains is required. Over the past...Show moreThe commingling of human skeletal remains poses a recurrent challenge for osteoarchaeologists. Prior to any comprehensive analysis, the reassociation of these remains is required. Over the past seven decades, numerous methodologies have emerged to address this challenge. However, each method exhibits limitations, prompting the necessity for the advancement of current techniques and the introduction of novel approaches. Among these evolving methods, the portable X-ray fluorescence technique stands out. Originally not designed for application on human remains, its appeal lies in its non-destructive nature and cost-effectiveness, drawing keen interest from osteoarchaeologists and forensic anthropologists. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of portable X-ray fluorescence in sorting commingled archaeological remains buried in the Netherlands. It involves the examination of 40 adults, 20 unearthed from Arnhem and 20 from Middenbeemster, dating back to the post-medieval period. The research initiates by investigating both intra-skeletal and inter-skeletal chemical variation, further exploring the potential factors contributing to these differences. Throughout the analysis, multiple sorting attempts are conducted to ensure a thorough exploration of the technique's capabilities. The results indicate statistically significant chemical variation within the same skeleton and among different individuals. In terms of intra-skeletal variation, from the 12 skeletal elements tested in each individual, only four pairs of bones (humerus–femur, rib–mandible, tibia–parietal, and tibia–rib) did not exhibit variation in the concentrations of chemical elements. With regard to inter-skeletal variation, 23 out of the 30 elements detected by the pXRF, and 14 out of the 15 ratios explored, demonstrated significant differences. Variation was also observed between males and females, as well as between sites. For the differences among the adult sub-groups that were noted, no generalizations can be made unless further research is conducted. Finally, the reassociation attempts reveal that the most successful sorting cases involved two individuals from different sites, utilizing principal components derived from ratios, while the tooth measurements were excluded. Key ratios influencing the sorting process included Mn/K, Mn/S, Mn/Fe, K/Fe, Sr/Ca, Ca/P, Pb/Ca, S/Sr, and Sr/Pb. While the method showed promise when a small number of individuals were involved, it lacked consistency. Therefore, it should be used in conjunction with other methods until further research is conducted.Show less
