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
This master’s thesis examines the context of the emergence and utilization of traditional Korean fermenting pottery called Onggi and explores the avenues for future utilization possibilities. The...Show moreThis master’s thesis examines the context of the emergence and utilization of traditional Korean fermenting pottery called Onggi and explores the avenues for future utilization possibilities. The research done so far on the subject has been neglected and understudied in academia due to the utilitarian nature of the vessels, casting a shadow on their historical and cultural significance. However, through a transdisciplinary approach based on the collection of data in archaeological reports, historical documentation, and iconographical sources, the history of Onggi vessels becomes apparent, highlighting its crafting and utilization through thousands of years. A chronological presentation of these vessel's functions and fabrication techniques starts approximately from the 7th millennium BCE until the present and composes a major part of this work. In an effort to overcome the gradual disappearance of this ancient technology, the Korean government has designated the craft as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and a number of potters have been nominated as National Living Treasures (NLT). Yet, in South Korea, a rapidly decreasing group of individuals are willing to learn and practice the profession. On the other hand, due to globalization, the demand for Korean fermented foods is thriving internationally, and along with it, a growing interest in Onggi crafting and utilization has developed. The presentation of three study cases will highlight the Onggi crafting and use renaissance phenomenon occurring on a global scale presently. Through ethnoarchaeological observations, this thesis argues that Onggi pots are a driver for innovative environmentally friendly endeavors for the conservation of food. As it becomes an imperative necessity for contemporary societies throughout the globe to explore sustainable solutions to food conservation and waste, this study suggests drawing from ancient technologies through archaeological research to inspire future possible solutions. Finally, the examination of the chemical modification through fermentation occurring in the Onggi pot is broken down for the reader to exemplify how uniquely the vessels interact with its content. This work thus encompasses various and major themes such as food technology, biomechanics, finding historical sources, utilizing scientific methodology in archaeology, studying Intangible Cultural Heritage in Northeast Asia, and environmental sustainability. Through the writing of this thesis, it is aimed to answer the question of whether the introduction of Onggi crafting and use on a global scale drive innovative solutions to food waste and food conservation In essence, the study of Onggi pots past in the present could offer unlimited possibilities for the future.Show less
The study of prehistoric burial sites in the Netherlands has a rich history. However, past archaeological research have often examined burial structures in isolation. This thesis aims to...Show moreThe study of prehistoric burial sites in the Netherlands has a rich history. However, past archaeological research have often examined burial structures in isolation. This thesis aims to investigate and specifically model the spatial relationship between burial structures and houses during the Bronze and Iron Ages in North Brabant. Four primary questions were discussed: how these elements are distributed in space, whether gathered data can predict their proximity, how this relationship evolves over time and what this relation meant to these peoples. Using QGIS selected features from the sites will be used to create maps that show the relation between the different structures. These maps are then combined by period to create models based on the normal distribution the distances of houses from a grave structure. The research shows there was a trend over time and that it was possible to predict the location of a house based on the location of burial structure. The impossibility of knowing the meaning behind this relation was discussed, but two possible interpretations are given: the structures might have served as territorial markers or the location might have been tied to a ritual landscape and the houses. Finally the challenges faced during this research are discussed, including the need for more sites to enhance models an and the lack of adequately dated features is discussed. De studie van prehistorische begraafplaatsen in Nederland kent een rijke geschiedenis. Echter heeft eerder archeologisch onderzoek vaak begraafstructuren geïsoleerd bestudeerd. Deze thesis heeft als doel de ruimtelijke relatie tussen begraafstructuren en huizen tijdens het Brons- en IJzertijdperk in Noord-Brabant te onderzoeken en specifiek te modelleren. Vier hoofdvragen zijn besproken: hoe deze elementen in de ruimte zijn verdeeld, of verzamelde gegevens de locatie van huizen kunnen voorspellen, hoe deze relatie in de loop der tijd evolueert en wat deze relatie betekende voor deze bevolkingsgroepen. Met behulp van QGIS worden geselecteerde features van de locaties gebruikt om kaarten te maken die de relatie tussen de verschillende structuren laten zien. Deze kaarten worden vervolgens per periode gecombineerd om modellen te creëren op basis van de normale verdeling van de afstanden van huizen tot een grafstructuur. Het onderzoek toont aan dat er in de loop van de tijd een trend was en dat het mogelijk was om de locatie van een huis te voorspellen op basis van de locatie van een begraafstructuur. De onmogelijkheid om de betekenis achter deze relatie te kennen werd besproken, maar twee mogelijke interpretaties werden gegeven: de structuren zouden dienst hebben gedaan als territoriale markeringen, of de locatie zou verbonden kunnen zijn met een ritueel landschap en de huizen. Ten slotte worden de uitdagingen besproken die tijdens dit onderzoek zijn ondervonden, waaronder de behoefte aan meer locaties om modellen te verbeteren, en het gebrek aan voldoende gedateerde features wordt besproken.Show less
The aim of this paper is to critically examine the use and validity of the term ‘skull cult’ in academic literature. Since the discovery of the first plastered skull in 1953 by Kenyon, more...Show moreThe aim of this paper is to critically examine the use and validity of the term ‘skull cult’ in academic literature. Since the discovery of the first plastered skull in 1953 by Kenyon, more plastered skulls have been dug up from sites across West-Asia. Due to temptation ideas were opted for a shared tradition, which resulted in a grand narrative called the ‘skull cult’. As a consequence detailed information was overlooked, and local variation ignored. Due to the limited scope of this paper, twelve sites were selected for analysis, including: Jericho, Yiftahel, Kfar Hahoresh, Beisamoun, ‘Ain Ghazal, Nahal Hemar, Tell Ramad, Tell Aswad (Southern Levant), Abu Hureyra, Çayönü, (Northern Levant/ South-east Anatolia), Köşk Höyük, and Çatalhöyük (South-central Anatolia). The sites were first examined individually to provide a clear overview of each settlement. They were structured according to several variables associated with plastered skulls and skull retrieval, which are the following: gender, age, individual and/or group burials, findspot, headless and/or intact burials, skulls or cranium, and other skull manipulations (i.e., plain, paint, artificial modification) and decorations applied to the skull. Next, the sites were compared to each other to find potential similarities and differences. Gender, age, and intact burials did not provide sufficient data, and therefore, no speculations have been proposed. Headless burials did produce incomplete data as well, but the presence at most sites supports the act of skull retrieval practices at the site. Overall, the data showed the existence of analogies between sites, but these are outweighed by local diversities. In addition, the significant distance in time and space with regard to a few sites does also contradict the idea of one shared mortuary practice. Skull retrieval might have originated from the late Natufian period onwards, but over time local variations evolved to which people from each site attached their own unique symbolic meanings.Show less
This master thesis analyses a group of anonymous silver pennies commonly attributed to Frisia. These coins are characterized by find location and low weight of less than 0.5 grams. Due to the fact...Show moreThis master thesis analyses a group of anonymous silver pennies commonly attributed to Frisia. These coins are characterized by find location and low weight of less than 0.5 grams. Due to the fact that they lack comprehensible legends or bear ambiguous or degenerated ones it is difficult to date them or assign them to a known mint like Stavoren or Dokkum. Traditionally they have been separated into two groups: one showing a worldly ruler, and the other showing a cleric or bishop. Previous research has laid much emphasis on the deciphering of the legends, and discerned the name of a certain Otto on several types. However, while the “worldly” types appear to date slightly earlier, there appears to have been considerable overlap between the two. This indicates that the divide between the two types may not be as historically important as once thought. The fact that the name of this Otto appears in both groups argues against it being the name of the issuing authority at the time of striking. Important in researching this series of coins is the quick increase in reported finds. Metal detectors have become widely available to the general public, and databases such as NUMIS and PAN have been set up to register these new finds. The databases mentioned are freely accessible and have proven to be valuable tools in the field of archaeology and numismatics in particular. Newly discovered types and an increasing number of find locations provide relevant information for Dutch numismatists. Included in this thesis is an overview of the largest and most important hoards containing these anonymous Frisian pennies, as well as an overview of the various types considered “Frisian”. Of those types a database has been made containing over 250 individual pieces that have appeared in digitised public collections and databases, several private collections and certain European auctions. The find locations, weights and other characteristics of these examples have been noted down when available.Show less
In this thesis, LBK childhood is examined to further our understanding of the presence of juvenile individuals within five LBK mass grave events: Talheim, Herxheim, Kilianstädten, Wiederstedt, and...Show moreIn this thesis, LBK childhood is examined to further our understanding of the presence of juvenile individuals within five LBK mass grave events: Talheim, Herxheim, Kilianstädten, Wiederstedt, and Asparn/Schletz. Throughout the archaeological discourse, children and themes of childhood are considerably underrepresented, with a significant research gap between conflict archaeology and childhood. In many studies of prehistoric childhood, modern ideas and Western thought frequently make up assumptions of what a ‘child is’ for a given period or culture, often leaving them invisible or ignoring juveniles as important actors, which is challenged throughout this study. This study summarises current research on the LBK, which found that children are rarely discussed, viewed as low-status individuals, and female and juvenile individuals had more varied reflections of personhoods than males. A study of LBK children is then presented and debated regarding the examination of burial rites and records. The idea of LBK children as low-status individuals is disregarded, and a middle childhood stage is proposed for the period. Evidence is found that children were heavily involved with labour and were more commonly the victims of aggression than other social groups. Finally, many of the social processes of LBK childhood were evident within the mass graves events. Themes relating to a middle childhood was present in four out of five of the mass graves, evidence of child labour was current at Wiederstadt, and a different injury pattern was present between adults and juveniles below the age of eight from the massacre site of Kilianstädten. The possibility of children, especially from the middle childhood age group, partaking in working groups away from settlements is proposed to explain the absence of such individuals from the mass grave sites. This thesis concluded that understanding the processes and stages of LBK childhood can help contextualise the events surrounding the mass graves.Show less
Since the 1960s, research on the chemical composition of ancient archaeological glass has been executed. It has become clear that raw ancient glass exists of three main ingredients: silica, lime,...Show moreSince the 1960s, research on the chemical composition of ancient archaeological glass has been executed. It has become clear that raw ancient glass exists of three main ingredients: silica, lime, and a flux. Next to these ingredients, iron is always found in the mix which gives glass naturally a green or blue colour. Around the fourth century AD, a new type of glass was introduced. This glass type was probably made in Egypt and is distinguishable from the other compositional types of glass by its yellow to green colour. Research indicates that the glass has high levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and titanium (Ti) in its composition. This is why, in 1994, the term ‘HIMT’ glass is introduced by prof. I. Freestone. This research focuses on the dispersion of HIMT glass during the fourth to seventh centuries AD on the Italian peninsula to fill in gaps in the knowledge of the general dispersion of HIMT glass throughout the Mediterranean area. HIMT glass was not the only type of glass on the market. In this research, the focus lies on HIMT glass, but to provide more context about the general glass market, also other types of glass like Egypt I and II and Levantine glass are being discussed. It is generally accepted that there are two primary glass production areas for all the ancient glass: the Levant and Egypt. The glass was formed here into large chunks which were shipped throughout the Mediterranean area to secondary production areas. There the glass was formed into vessels or other useable objects. To understand where the glass originates, chemical research is performed. Hereby, not only the chemical elements, which could be added intentionally or unintentionally, are taken into account, also isotopes, like neodymium (Nd) and strontium (Sr) which respectively indicate the age of the sediments and the source of lime, are being researched. This results in the distinction of several glass compositional groups. This research aims to answer the following question: ‘How is HIMT glass dispersed in Italy during the fourth to seventh centuries AD?’. After providing information on the chemical composition of glass and the existing glass compositional groups, an overview is given of 17 sites on the Italian peninsula where HIMT glass is present in the glass assemblage. These sites are researched using archaeological publications. A distinction is made between production sites, where the glass was formed into objects and where production waste was found, and consumption sites, where the objects were solely 68 used. Looking at the context of the sites and the composition of the glass assemblages found there, an overview of the presence of HIMT glass on the Italian peninsula could be provided. To understand the specific dispersion of the glass, three main subjects, trade in the Mediterranean area, trade in Italy, and recycling practices are researched. The research concludes that the glass was shipped from Egypt into Italy via multiple ports and trade routes after which the glass was spread throughout Italy. HIMT glass was mostly used for common ware, because of its relatively low quality, and therefore also useful for recycling. Since this research is based on the existing publications of sites containing HIMT glass, future research could include looking at yet unpublished sites, the data from already published assemblages that have not been used for this thesis, and the possibility of regional differences in shapes of HIMT glass.Show less
Samenvatting Twee veelvoorkomende aardewerkcategorieën in Nederland zijn Low Lands Ware (LLW) en Bataafs Grijs Waar (BGW). Er zijn overeenkomsten tussen de twee: reducerend gebakken LLW en BGW zijn...Show moreSamenvatting Twee veelvoorkomende aardewerkcategorieën in Nederland zijn Low Lands Ware (LLW) en Bataafs Grijs Waar (BGW). Er zijn overeenkomsten tussen de twee: reducerend gebakken LLW en BGW zijn allebei grijs, werden regionaal geproduceerd maar zijn afgeleid van Romeins vormen, en werden gebruikt als voorraadpotten. Een opmerkelijk verschil tussen de twee aardewerkcategorieën is de distributie. In de Romeinse tijd waren het huidige Zuid-Holland en het westen van Noord-Brabant gelegen in een civitas genaamd Cananefatium. Het oostelijke rivierengebied en het oosten van Noord-Brabant waren gelegen in de civitas Batavorum. Bestaand onderzoek concludeert dat LLW voorkomt in zowel Cananefatium als Batavorum terwijl BGW enkel voorkomt in Batavorum. De kaarten van de distributiegebieden uit huidig onderzoek geven echter enkel weer waar LLW en BGW is aangetroffen met een stip. Er is verder geen informatie bekend over wat er precies is aangetroffen. Ook is het niet bekend wat de oorzaak is achter deze verschillen in distributie. In dit onderzoek is eerst de distributiegebieden van LLW en BGW in kaart gebracht met kwantitatieve data om een completer beeld te krijgen over de distributie. Vervolgens is gekeken of het Romeinse landschap en de transportroutes van invloed zijn geweest op deze distributie. Hiervoor is het onderzoek van Van Lanen (2017) gebruikt waarin hij door middel van het netwerkfrictiemodel (NFM) een relatie heeft gevonden tussen het landschap, de ligging van nederzettingen, en de infrastructuur. Het onderzoekskader bestaat uit het huidige Zuid-Holland, Noord-Brabant, en het oostelijke rivierengebied tussen het eind eerste en derde eeuw. Voor de kwantitatieve kaarten van de distributiegebieden is data verzameld van verschillende nederzettingstypes in het onderzoeksgebied, namelijk kleine rurale nederzettingen, rurale centra, kastell-vici, militaire nederzettingen, en steden. Van die nederzettingen is de volgende kwantitatieve data verzameld: absolute aantallen fragmenten, gewicht gedeeld door opgravingsoppervlak, en minimaal aantal exemplaren (MAE). De kwantitatieve kaarten geven een veel genuanceerder beeld over de distributie van LLW en BGW hoewel de conclusie van het huidige onderzoek grotendeels overeind blijft staan. Vervolgens zijn de nieuwe distributiekaarten gecombineerd met het onderzoek van Van Lanen om te onderzoeken of er een relatie bestaat tussen het landschap, de transportroutes, de ligging van de nederzettingen, en de distributie van LLW en BGW. Eerst is er gekeken naar de relatie tussen transportroutes en de distributie en vervolgens naar de relatie tussen het landschap en de distributie. Er lijkt wel degelijk een relatie te zijn: dichterbij de transportroutes en in goed toegankelijk landschap werden meer nederzettingen en meer LLW en BGW aangetroffen. Echter, het 101 verklaart niet waarom LLW wel in Cananefatium voorkomt en BGW niet. Alleen op grond van het landschap en transportroutes zou distributie van BGW in Cananefatium mogelijk kunnen zijn. Er is daar echter vrijwel geen BGW aangetroffen.Show less
Research on human bone artifacts has been rarely conducted exclusively. Indeed, researchers have limited their interests to intentional modifications of human bones in the frame of ritual contexts....Show moreResearch on human bone artifacts has been rarely conducted exclusively. Indeed, researchers have limited their interests to intentional modifications of human bones in the frame of ritual contexts. Thus, interpretations of the human bone’s use as raw material mainly concern its implementation in mortuary practices, side-lining the manufacture of tools and ornaments. Notwithstanding, the recent discovery of two human bones originated in the submerged Doggerland enriches the Mesolithic archaeological record, together with raising new questions concerning the human bone’s use during this period. This research aims to investigate the uses of human bone during the Mesolithic in Europe. Particularly, it attempts to unravel how frequent was the use of human bone, for which artifact categories it was used, and the body parts that were selected. Another interest concerns whether the use of human bones as a raw material was intentional or accidental. Consequently, the contextual analysis of the sites yielding human bone artifacts will offer a broader framework to approach such issues. Furthermore, considering that Mesolithic mortuary practices were related to the transformation, destruction, and manipulation of the human bone, I link these practices to the manufacture of human bone artifacts. Beyond these preoccupations, this study aims to interpret the potential differences and similarities concerning the use of human bone as a raw material during the Mesolithic. That is why it proposes a comparison of human bone’s use between the Mesolithic and the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic. Relevant here are questions related to the differences of human bone artifacts between these periods, and if there are similarities indicating a continuation of existing practices across time. The comparison reveals that during the Late Upper Palaeolithic, in specific regions human bone artifacts seems to bear special importance linked to ritual practices. However, during the Mesolithic, such findings do not seem to bear the same value, as often they have been found mixed with animal bone artifacts. Based on this observation, I rely on ethnographic studies to explore the potential presence of animistic practices in the Mesolithic. The conceptualization of the relationship between animal and humans and their respective artifacts reveals that human bone artifacts were perceived in equivalent ways with the animal ones.Show less
