This thesis provides an insight into the textiles of the Tarim Basin, focusing on colours and patterns. It provides a dataset of a hundred samples to compare and study the basin’s textiles and...Show moreThis thesis provides an insight into the textiles of the Tarim Basin, focusing on colours and patterns. It provides a dataset of a hundred samples to compare and study the basin’s textiles and through them, the cultures they came from. It discusses the Roman-centric view of western archaeologists and whether this is visible when studying the available archaeological data. There is a clear difference in chronology visible in the textiles, as earlier textiles were made using individually dyed threads woven into patterns, while later textiles have patterns painted on the fabric. There is also a shift in the use of colour and patterns within sites over the centuries, much like fashion trends come and go in the modern day. Most of the samples in the dataset are silks, proving that silk was not purely used as a valuta within the Silk Roads, but was also used for luxury garments, accessories and for religious use. The site of Loulan is an archaeological treasure, and within this thesis there is a focus on textiles from this site in particular, next to other sites like Niya and Sampula. Comparing the textiles show that it is almost impossible to attach cultural labels on these samples through colours and patterns, as they are a product of a melting pot of cultures coming together in the Tarim Basin. One sample will have multiple cultural influences, and can therefore not be placed in one category. Much remains unknown about these textiles and further research is necessary to be able to shed more light on a fascinating piece of history of the ancient Silk Roads.Show less
Feminist and queer archaeology both find their origins in the academic feminist movements of the 1970s and 80s. They opposed the political and academic androcentric climates of the time, and have...Show moreFeminist and queer archaeology both find their origins in the academic feminist movements of the 1970s and 80s. They opposed the political and academic androcentric climates of the time, and have since achieved legitimacy in academia. Still, we are constantly developing our understanding of gender in ancient cultures. This thesis takes the next step in deconstructing our understanding of gender, namely building our interpretations of gender identities of people in the past with incorporating our modern biases. The main question in this thesis is How can we practically research queer gender identities in the Ancient Near East based on the material evidence? To do this, the author focusses on literature about case studies from across the ancient Near East. In this study, the author analyzes these diverse case studies to pinpoint what methods those researchers used and what evidence they built their arguments about gender constructs and gender identity in the past. This study puts a specific emphasis om material, iconographic, and textual evidence. Based on these case studies, the author aims to construct a strategy future researchers can use in their research of gender in the ancient Near East, to reconstruct gender identities without incorporating their own personal biases. This research shows it is especially important to understand that the way people in the past conceptualized gender and the gender identity of themselves and those around them may be very different from the way we think now. This means, we can only ever make reliable claims about gender constructs and anyone’s gender identity with sufficient evidenciary support. The author has found, that the best first step is understanding the context of gender in that time. Usually textual evidence, such as laws, stories, and religious rules, are particularly useful to develop such an understanding. Afterwards, once the researchers has a sufficient understanding of gender in a specific past culture, they can being theorizing over individuals. This should be done based on iconography and textual evidence connected to that individual.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
