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
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 human osteoarchaeology provides critical insights into past human populations, unraveling details about their lives. Often overlooked in archaeological studies, non-adult skeletal...Show moreThe study of human osteoarchaeology provides critical insights into past human populations, unraveling details about their lives. Often overlooked in archaeological studies, non-adult skeletal remains offer a unique perspective for understanding childhood and the impact of diseases over time. This thesis investigates the preservation patterns and diagenetic alterations of non-adult skeletal remains from three burial environments in the Netherlands: the Eusebius church in Arnhem (1350 to 1829 AD.), Broerenkerk church in Zwolle (1601-1830 AD.), and the church of St. Catharina in Eindhoven (1200-1850 AD.). Specifically, the study focuses on skeletal individuals from the post-medieval period, covering the years 1650-1829 AD. By using various methods, including bone differential preservation indices and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, the study examines bones to identify factors influencing their preservation. The research aimed to contribute to the archaeological record by addressing the under-representation of non-adult skeletal remains and associated challenges. The results provided insights into preservation patterns, with the Anatomical Preservation Index (API) and the Qualitative Bone Index (QBI) revealing significant variations across burial sites. Emphasizing distinct patterns in the percentage of preserved bones, Arnhem stood out with a high proportion of well preserved bones, while Eindhoven exhibited the highest percentage of poorly preserved bones. Chi-squared test analyses confirmed statistically significant differences between burial sites and bone preservation classes. The Bone Representation Index (BRI) shed light on the distribution and preservation of cranial and post-cranial bones, with consistent trends, such as Arnhem exhibiting higher percentages of preserved bones compared to Eindhoven and Zwolle. Specific cranial bones and post-cranial elements contributed to sitespecific preservation trends. Furthermore, the study explored the influence of age and skeletal elements on preservation patterns, integrating age categories and skeletal elements into statistical analyses. While some age groups showed no significant associations with preservation indices, others revealed relationships, contributing to a better understanding of non-adult skeletal preservation. The chemical analysis through XRF provides insights into the elemental composition of bone samples, with deviations from reference materials indicating diagenetic alterations. Notably, differences in soil-related elements across sites suggest the influence of geological factors on chemical composition. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further explains these patterns, emphasizing the association between Arnhem and Zwolle in contrast to Eindhoven. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of non-adult skeletal preservation in diverse burial environments, addressing challenges and offering valuable insights for future archaeological studies. The findings highlight the need for diverse approaches in studying non-adult remains and contribute to broader discussions on diagenetic alterations and preservation biases in archaeological research.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
Minecraft has proven to be a valuable tool in the field of virtual heritage (Edwards et al., 2021; Langis-Barsetti, 2021; Politopoulos et al., 2019). This thesis explores potential collaboration...Show moreMinecraft has proven to be a valuable tool in the field of virtual heritage (Edwards et al., 2021; Langis-Barsetti, 2021; Politopoulos et al., 2019). This thesis explores potential collaboration efforts between academia and the modding community by first attempting to understand the perspectives of Minecraft mod developers. This study is guided by the research question: in what ways can the Minecraft modding community and heritage professionals influence each other? Four willing developers of historical and cultural Minecraft mods provided their perspective via questionnaire. Their responses are analysed with guidance from the established qualitative analysis methods: thematic analysis and narrative analysis (Bryman, 2012). Potential collaboration is then theorised based on the intentions, disciplinary bounds, and openness of both mod developers and heritage professionals. It is found that Minecraft mod developers and heritage professionals share many similar traits. Analysis of the developer perspectives also helped to reveal multiple ways in which collaboration efforts would be mutually beneficial. These findings are important, as this knowledge not only helps to introduce academia to the developer’s side of the Minecraft modding community, but can also be used by academics and mod developers to bring about future collaboration efforts that enhance both the modding community and the virtual heritage field.Show less
This study employs paleo data from the Middle Pleistocene site Schöningen during the Reinsdorf interglacial, specifically corresponding to channel II sublayer 4c. The primary objectives are...Show moreThis study employs paleo data from the Middle Pleistocene site Schöningen during the Reinsdorf interglacial, specifically corresponding to channel II sublayer 4c. The primary objectives are reconstructing the paleoenvironment and comprehending hominins' exploitation strategies within this context. The dataset analyzes paleolake chemistry and the climatic conditions leading to the deposition on channel II of sublayer 4c, facilitating local and regional environment reconstruction. Examining plant availability in the dataset illustrates their use in tool-making, crafting spears, and potential utilization for dietary and medicinal purposes, emphasizing adaptability across seasons. Through a comprehensive examination of the palaeobotanical dataset, this research elucidates the nuanced relationship between hominins and their environment. The study uses a mixed-method approach to preserve organic remains from a sediment sample from Schöningen 12 II sublayer 4c. The sediment, formed in a waterlogged setting, was collected from Schöningen 12, channel II, platform 4, sedimentary cycle 4, and layer c, sifted through a 500-micron mesh sieve during an on-site rescue excavation. The research design combines quantitative methods for sediment data and qualitative methods for literature review, referencing Duistermaat, L. (2020) "Heukels' flora van Nederland," and conducting an extensive literature review on hominin behaviour. The study recognizes biases, including data collection constraints, specific mesh size use, potential biases, and limited contemporaneous sites. The results reveal dominant obligated aquatic and waterside species specific to the lacustrine environment. The palaeobotanical dataset shows hominins strategically positioned at lacustrine fringes, utilizing the environment for hunting and possible plant-based sustenance. The investigation answers research questions on lacustrine paleoenvironment reconstruction, revealing shifting lake levels, low water velocity, alkalinity, and brackish conditions. The composition of aquatic plants suggests the sediment sample was collected from an area that was at a 2 to 4 meters depth, not far from the shore. An increase in Carex and Betula pollen in the pollen diagram indicates a disturbance leading to a change in vegetation. In this context, hominins hunted on the lake margins, as evidenced by the discovered spears in the animal bones context. The spear crafting reflects deep knowledge, with hominins favoring Picea and Pinus over other available trees. This choice demonstrates their understanding of wood durability and flexibility, crafting spears from denser old Picea trees with tips carved on the thicker end. This behaviour underlines their adaptability in spear crafting and deliberate tool carrying. The presence of edible plants and those with medicinal properties in the paleo data showcases the availability of dietary and medicinal plant use, emphasizing their seasonal presence. Dental wear and dental calculus indicate plant diet by the early hominins, while self-treatment behaviours reveal cognitive processes and potential survival benefits. The hominins at Schöningen during the Reinsdorf interglacial corresponding to sublayer II 4c were hunters and plant users for sustenance and healing. These early humans were far from being mere instinct-driven beings. They demonstrated the capacity to recognize patterns, access long-term memory, and engage in enduring learning about their environment. In this context, plants served as a source of sustenance and potential healing and a continuous source of knowledge.Show less
Since the formation of the contemporary Northern-Spanish autonomic community of Cantabria in 1981 the Iron Age has become increasingly important for its regional identity, symbolically embedded in,...Show moreSince the formation of the contemporary Northern-Spanish autonomic community of Cantabria in 1981 the Iron Age has become increasingly important for its regional identity, symbolically embedded in, for example, its name and flag. Although this in itself can be viewed as problematic, it also fuelled more archaeological investigations into Iron Age Cantabria. These investigations have mainly been focused on Iron Age hillforts of which currently approximately fourty-three (43) can be found throughout the autonomic community. The relatively late development of this field of study is one of the reasons why this number is significantly lower than the other northern Spanish autonomic communities of Asturias and Galicia. Simultaneously, Eucalyptus plantations have become the dominant form of forestation covering approximately 8% of total ground surface and forming 19% of the total amount of forests in Cantabria. This vegetation cover is found predominantly in the coastal region, where few of the identified Iron Age hillforts are found and where the plantations encroach on identified hillforts, making identification of new hillforts more difficult. While new digital tools and data for cultural resource management have become available, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), their usage have been limited in this region. To address this issue the research poses the question: ‘How can available methods and tools of archaeological prospection and cultural heritage management be used in an integrated workflow to find, map and preserve Iron Age hillforts under Eucalyptus plantations in Cantabria?’. The proposed integrated workflow consists of narrowing down suitable locations for Iron Age hillforts through object-based predictive modelling (OBPM) and subsequently remote prospection of those locations to identify potential features associated with archaeological sites. To test this approach it has been put into practice. The proposed workflow proved effective, but has also shown limitations. The parameters chosen are most-likely not solely relevant for Iron Age hillforts, consisting out of Geomorophon, incoming visibility-index and out-going visibility index. Also the research focus on Eucalyptus plantations showed a variability of noise in the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for locations under Eucalyptus plantations, sometimes impeding readability of those areas. Nevertheless, the use of Sky View Factor (SVF) and the sufficiently narrowed down study area still proved effective in finding and documenting possible archaeological features, of which fifty (50) different locations have been identified with a variation of characteristics, all adhering to the set parameters. This suggests that the proposed integrated workflow is currently an effective tool in the finding, mapping and preserving archaeological sites near or encroached by Eucalyptus plantations.Show less
Magic has been a much-debated topic over the last centuries. This thesis discusses the disappearance and return of magic in academic discourse and evaluates it through a theoretical framework for...Show moreMagic has been a much-debated topic over the last centuries. This thesis discusses the disappearance and return of magic in academic discourse and evaluates it through a theoretical framework for scientific inquiry. Finally, it aims to evaluate the use of magic as an interpretative theme in archaeology. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw many new theories and approaches to the subject. Influential anthropologists and sociologists released theories that were mainly based on evolutionist ideals. The rejection of these ideals, the problematic classification of witchcraft, sorcery and magic, and its adoption in modern media contributed to the disappearance of magic in academic discourse. In archaeology, these changes can be seen by studying Palaeolithic art. The return can be seen from 1990 to 2010 by its adoption in more archaeological research. These studies primarily focussed on the Mediterranean and failed to incorporate materiality fully. The full return of magic can be observed in the 2010s when publications specifically focused on the materiality of magic over a larger geographical and cultural area. This return resulted from a paradigm shift in anthropology where magic was now studied from a magical Worldview or consciousness instead of a rational Western worldview. An increase in material culture studies with the adoption of object agency and recognising the marginalisation of magic also contributed to the return. Object agency also contributed significantly to recognising the importance of portable artefacts in Palaeolithic art. The rise of material culture studies, its adoption of Latour’s Actor-Network Theory, and the shift in anthropology can be explained as two paradigm shifts vital for the return of magic in academic discourse. Magic can serve as a quality of practices and materials that can highlight certain features of materiality, potency, and verbal or ritual performance that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. Magic is a tool to understand ancient practices and materials better. Archaeology has much to contribute to studying magic through material studies and archaeological contextsShow less
Exploring the junction of artificial intelligence (AI), osteology and, forensic anthropology, this thesis validates the application of neural networks (NN) for accurate age-at-death estimation in...Show moreExploring the junction of artificial intelligence (AI), osteology and, forensic anthropology, this thesis validates the application of neural networks (NN) for accurate age-at-death estimation in skeletal remains. Because of the lack of accurate age-at-death estimation methods and the discrepancy between biological and chronological ages, there a high demand for objective and unbiased approach. A previous study developed DRNNAGE, a NN solution to estimate age-at-death and reported a promising accuracy in predicting age-at-death (95%) and a mean absolute error (MAE) of ~6 years. In this study, the reproducibility and the accuracy of DRNNAGE prediction will be validated employing an archaeological Dutch medieval skeletal sample from the Middenbeemster collection (MB11). The sample consisted of 52 individuals with an age range of 19-101 years. Through a multifactorial transition analysis, 101 features were scored according to two or three levels of senescent change. The results show that the DRNNAGE provides a considerably reliable estimate of age-at-death with an accuracy of 87.9%, with a relatively strong correlation between the estimated and archival ages (Spearman’s r=0.7204). Interestingly, DRNNAGE performed with improved accuracy on individuals over 50 years. In conclusion, DRNNAGE is recommended for applications in elderly individuals and is suitable in archaeological contexts. Further research into different population contexts is needed. As the implementation of AI is still in the early stages, the possibilities of AI collaboration can achieve are infinite.Show less
In de Nederlandse (archeologische) geschiedenis speelt het schip een belangrijke rol. Een schip staat voor het maritieme verhaal van Nederland, echter kunnen losse onderdelen van een schip, zoals...Show moreIn de Nederlandse (archeologische) geschiedenis speelt het schip een belangrijke rol. Een schip staat voor het maritieme verhaal van Nederland, echter kunnen losse onderdelen van een schip, zoals scheepshout en constructieonderdelen ook bijdragen aan dit maritieme verhaal. Deze losse vondsten worden veel in hergebruikte vorm teruggevonden in allerlei contexten en toepassingen in Nederland. Hergebruik betekent het opnieuw gebruiken of toepassen van voorwerpen vanuit de oude context in de nieuwe context waarbij de functie van het voorwerp veranderd. Bijvoorbeeld huidplanken van een schip (voorwerpen) worden hergebruik als onderdeel van een perceelscheiding in een gedempte 12e-eeuwse gracht. Hergebruik is ook het opnieuw gebruiken van een object waarbij de context en de functie van het object veranderd. Bijvoorbeeld een schip wordt afgezonken in de rivier de IJssel om de huidige rivierloop te verleggen. Hierbij veranderd de oude context van het object (schip gelegen in haven of werf) naar de nieuwe context (schip gelegen op de bodem van de rivier) en de oude functie (zeevarend object) krijgt een nieuwe functie (rivierverlegger of waterstaatkundig object). Als laatste kan hergebruik ook het opnieuw toepassen van voorwerpen vanuit de oude context in de nieuwe context zijn waarbij de functie van het voorwerp niet veranderd. Bijvoorbeeld een dekknie (voorwerp) wordt gebruikt om de het dek te ondersteunen. De dekknie wordt vervolgens uit het wrak gehaald en in een dakconstructie van een huis geplaats ter ondersteuning van de vloer. Hierbij veranderd de oude context (wrak of schip) in de nieuwe context (dakconstructie huis), maar veranderd de functie niet (dragen van dek of vloer). Onder hergebruik worden geen scheepsreparaties opgenomen, voorwerpen die tot de inventaris van schepen behoren, halffabricaten of hout of metaal dat is omgevormd tot een ander voorwerp, zoals een beeld. Het hergebruik van scheepshout en constructie-elementen verschilt per tijd en per context. In de Romeinse Tijd wordt voornamelijk eikenhout hergebruikt. Op basis van dit onderzoek worden in de Romeinse Tijd eikenhouten scheepsdelen voornamelijk gedeeltelijk in verband toegepast in constructies. Voor de Middeleeuwen ligt de focus voornamelijk op eikenhouten planken in waterputten en de Nieuwe Tijd worden voornamelijk eikenhouten, kromvormig houten onderdelen toegepast in waterputten. Al deze contexten hadden iets met wonen en werken te maken. De meeste hergebruikte scheepselementen worden voornamelijk kwantitatief gebruikt. Dat wil zeggen er is gewerkt met wat er beschikbaar is. Hout wordt het meest hergebruikt en constructieonderdelen als klinknagels zijn vaak bevestigd aan dit scheepshout. Soms blijven ze achter in de grond wanneer het scheepshout is weggerot of verbrand. Sintels en klinknagels kunnen een aanduiding zijn voor scheepvaart en/of hergebruik, maar een andere toepassing van sintels of klinknagels in bijvoorbeeld gebouwen of deuren is ook mogelijk. Dit is nooit goed onderzocht. De vorm van het scheepshout heeft ook invloed op de toepassing van het hout in bijvoorbeeld constructies. Planken en inhouten zijn bijvoorbeeld gemaakt van een goede kwaliteit hout en erg stevig. Dit maakt ze goed toepasbaar in bijvoorbeeld funderingen, omdat stevigheid een vereiste is voor het maken van een goede fundering. De belangrijkste redenen om scheepshout her te gebruiken zijn economische redenen, zoals schaarste. Naast deze gegevens kan het onderzoek naar scheepshout en constructieonderdelen nog veel data opleveren, zoals scheepstypen die per regio of gebied hebben gevaren. Scheepshout laat vaak belangrijke veranderingen één op één terugzien in het hergebruik, zoals landschapsontwikkelingen of veranderingen in de scheepsbouw. Dit maakt het onderzoek naar hergebruik een waardevolle bron voor de Nederlandse (maritieme) archeologie.Show less
