7
The Main Lexicon

June 2000 - G. Buccellati, August 2022 - J. Walker
[September 2022 - M. De Pietri]
A Digital Monograph
The home for this page is GRAMMAR

Table of contents

7.1 Introductory
7.2 Simple and complex lemmata
7.3 Current version
7.4 Universal Codes
7.5 Variants for variable B10 (Definition)
     (1) Features (stationary elements)
          1. Horizontal surfaces
          2. Layering or buildup
          3. Amorphous amassment (fills, dumping, collapse)
          4. Ordered aggregation (walls, installations)
          5. Other features
     (2) Items (movable elements)
          1. Metal
          2. Stone
          3. Clay
          4. Organic
          5. Glass
          6. Other items
     (3) Alphabetical list of codes for features and items
     (4) Incidentals
7.6 Variants for variable D3 (Ware or material)
7.7 Variants for variable F2 (Contact association)
7.8 Variants for variable K4 (Shape for ceramic vessels)
7.9 Variants for variable O11 (View range)
7.10 Variants for variable O12 (View orientation)

7.1 Introductory

     A lexicon has been defined (12.4) as the list of attribute states or variants, i.e., the specific information that fills a given roster slot (attribute argument or variable). The term “lemma” (plural “lemmata”) refers to the concrete lexical item(s).
     The list is open ended, and as such it is susceptible of additions at any time. Thus, whether or not or a lexical entry “earring” for the roster slot B10=“definition” is present in our lexicon, or a lexical entry “green” for the roster slot K5=“color,” and whether or not it has been used in the past, it can be introduced at will the first time it becomes pertinent. It is important that in such cases a precise definition be given within the record itself: this is done by using the category –rd “roster definition” under incidentals (17.4 (4)).
     In this perspective, a formal listing of lexical entries would seem unnecessary. If that is not so, and if I undertake to give just such a list in this chapter, it is for two major reasons.
     (1) In most cases where a lexical entry is expected, there is a correlative need for sorting. Thus, for example, it is obviously desirable to sort the entries for the roster slot “definition” in such a way that we have all ceramic vessels together, all seal impressions together, and so on. A uniformity of lexical entries is expected to make such sorting possible: it would not work to call the same type of object “ceramic vessel” or “pottery item,” “seal impression” or “rolling,” and so on.
     The simplest function of a lexical list is, therefore, to provide consistency in the use of appellations for distinct phenomena. In the input phase, it will also serve as a list of abbreviations, or codes, that can be more easily utilized in a uniform manner. Just as we saw in the case of the roster (16.1), this aspect of the current presentation is of no concern to a normal user of the system, since in the display version as embodied in the browser edition all abbreviations are resolved, and thus no knowledge of the codes is expected.
     (2) More important is the conceptual dimension of the lexicon. Terms like “floor” and “fill” appear at first to have an evident meaning – the first term referring to a walking surface, and the second to material deposited within a given space. But closer inspection will reveal great variations. These have to be spelled out, and this goes to the core of the conceptual dimension of the lexicon. What is important in this endeavor is not so much to canvass a dictionary for definitions and paraphrases, but to articulate the variations into structured sets, where the definitions arise from contrasts among the members of the set. This I seek to do, to a limited extent and only for some basic categories, in this chapter.
     The individual lexical items given below reflect different degrees of specificity, and no attempt is made to provide a finer hierarchy in this regard within each of the categories. It is also important to note that the record may well reflect successive moments through which different, and progressively higher, degrees of specificity are ascertained and assigned to the data. At Mozan, this has often been the case, for instance, in the case of cl “clay lumps.” It was imperative, when collecting them in the field, that no attempt be made to determine whether they were sealings, and if so whether they were impressed with the rolling of a seal, for to attempt even a modicum of cleaning before they had become dry might seriously jeopardize their integrity. But after cleaning in the laboratory, such determination could, and would, be made. We estimate that we have collected some 10,000 cl clay lumps, of which only about 2,000 turned out to be sl “sealings,” of which again only some 1,600 bore a si “seal impression,” and a few even turned out to be tablet fragments. Progressively finer descriptions were then possible, e.g., as to iconography, epigraphic content, etc.

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7.2 Simple and complex lemmata

A simple lemma is based on a single set of parameters that is used to define a variant within a variable, e.g., “brown” within the variable “color.” With greater precision, a lemma may be based on the use of standards (e.g., the Munsell variant “5YR8/2” within the variable “color”; see below, 20, for a discussion of standards).
A complex lemma is a combination of simple lemmata and is used in the same way to define a set of variants within a variable. thus, a ceramic “ware” is set of pertinent attributes for matrix, inclusions, manufacturing technique and measurements, each of which is defined separately as a simple lemma.

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7.3 Current version

The current version is indicated by a code that relates the lexicon to the roster, thus LZmr-003 is the 3rd version of the lexicon applicable to the main roster, LZca-002 is the 2nd version of the lexicon applicable to the Ceramic Analysis roster.

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7.4 Universal codes

uk	unknown
vr	varia

7.5 Variants for variable B10 = df: Definition

     Th. sentence to be completed ZG831 mDP
     It must be stressed that the lexicon is an open system (7.1), so that features that occur rarely may be named in an ad hoc fashion as necessary. For instance, such entries as “pile of bricks” may be used for a stack of brocks ready for use in constructing a wall. The only twoconstraints are that initial hyphen is reserved for incidentals, and that the maximum length allowed is 20 characters.
     Labels that are more specifically typological are given in italics at the end of each group of definitions. These typological definitions may be given under B10, in addition to the more generic definition. Thus something defined first as co “collapse” may also be defined as bf “brickfall.” Conversely, if a wall has (even just partly) collapsed into an open pit, then the typological definition as “brickfall” would accompany the emplacement definition f2 “fill in secondary context.” In addition, the qualification bf “brickfall’ may also be entered under A5, if distinct brickfalls are numbered sequentially, and under M1 as a determination as to primary function.
     In some cases, a typological definition that includes a higher degree of specificity may apply to more than one type of material – for instance, a sculpture may be in stone or bronze. For this reason, it is advisable, though it is not strictly required by the system, to give in every case the more generic definition, e.g., ma “metal artifact” as well as sc “sculpture.” (In the topical lists given below, a term like “sculpture” may accordingly be entered twice, under ma “metal artifacts” and under la “lithic artifacts.) A more precise definition of the type of ware or material (e.g., arsenical bronze) will be found under the roster slot K3=wm “ware or material.”

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(1) Features (stationary elements)

The main criterion for sorting the different types of features, in terms of emplacement, is the manner of alignment of the components of any given feature. Accordingly, four types can be distinguished.

Horizontal surfaces: the alignment is along a single plane.
Layering or buildup: this refers to the inert, i. e. gradual and unintentional, buildup that occurs on top of a surface, and which is characterized by the horizontal alignment of inclusions, each of which tends also to have a horizontal angle of repose.
Amorphous amassment: this refers to fills, dumping or collapse that result in the random alignment of inclusions. The term “fill” refers, strictly speaking, to a situation whereby the material “fills” a given space that is bounded, as is the case with discards dumped into a pit or walls collapsed inside a room. The category, however, subsumes also cases when the material is not bounded, but has piled up without containment, as with a brickfall that took place onto an open space.
Ordered aggregation:: this refers to the ordered organization of components, such as the bricks within a wall. Wider nesting results in complex elements, such as when four walls can be understood as a self-standing construction (e.g., a grave). Larger structures (e.g., a house) are best considered under typology.

Note that, for ease of reference, the descriptive terms are taken from the depositional, rather than the emplacement, aspect that characterizes the feature – thus “fill” instead of something like “amorphous amassment.”

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1.Horizontal surfaces

sf	subfloor	Hard layer, suitable for compaction and/or additional cover on top; it may at times be inferred to have resulted from the leveling of a pre-existing collapse
f	floor surface in general	Floor whose type is not specified or clear.
fa	floor, type a	plastered or lined
fb	floor, type b	highly compacted
fc	floor, type c	medium compacted
fd	floor, type d	compacted naturally
pv	pavement	floor defined structurally by distinct surface elements, generally afinished cover or a coating laid on prepared surface
pk	packing	The prepared surface underlying and supporting a pavement
pa	pavement, type a	coating that is heavier than fa: cement, bitumen for example
pb	pavement, type b	large components: flagstones, bricks or tiles for example
pc	pavement, type c	small components; pebbles, sherds for example

2. Layering or buildup

a	accumulation	Gradual buildup, generally bounded to at least one side, e.g., by walls or abutting at least one wall. Depositionally, an accumulation may be inferred to have occurred through two major processes. (1) Occupation is the process resulting from human activities, whereby debris (including artifactual fragments such as sherds, and organic material such ash) comes to be embedded and compacted into a coagulated layer. (2) Sedimentation refers to the precipitation of natural material, such as dust, windblown sand or organic particles.
aa	accumulation A	Occupation immediately above floor surface, with sherds lying perfectly flat on the surface, vessels sitting upright, large pot smashes suggesting that the original ceramic vessel broke in place, etc. This is what is generally referred to as a “living floor,” and it is of particular importance for stratigraphic considerations.
ab	accumulation B	Accumulation above accumulation, without distinct floor surface underneath, but well defined in terms of layering of matrix and distribution of inclusions
ac	accumulation C	Not above floor, e.g. abandonment
ad	accumulation D	Natural accumulation (i.e., sedimentation)
ash	ash	Burned organic material often found in a lens or layer
ba	band	Horizontal deposit with sharp lower and merging upper boundaries, and and merging side boundaries
bm	brickmelt	Layer consisting of the material used to make brick, but individual bricks cannot be distinguished
l	lens	Same as accumulation, not abutting walls, but with sharp boundaries on the sides, and generally small in size.
la	lens type a	Same criteria as for as accumulation A
lb	lens type b	Same criteria as for as accumulation B
lc	lens type c	Same criteria as for as accumulation C
ld	lens type d	Same criteria as for as accumulation D
ly	layer	Horizontal deposit with sharp lower and upper boundaries, with merging side boundaries
lys	conflation of layers	Composite of multiple, clealy defined layers, or a merging of such layers
lm	laminations	A special kind of lens, characterized by the even horizontal layering of very uniform soil, with an even layering and a sharp horizontal face, giving the appearance of compaction, but in fact quite brittle; it may be inferred that it was produced by the settling of water dripping from above (as with a light rain) after which it was left to dry without disturbances.
mud	mud	A special kind of lens, similar to a lamination but with greater compaction, for which one may infer that it was produced by a sizeable downpour, such as heavy rain, rather than by a light drizzle
ts	topsoil	Generally a band or layer found on the surface and rich in organic material

3. Amorphous amassment (fill, dumping, collapse)

co	collapse	Uniform matrix (e.g., bricks), with individual inclusions showing similar “angle of repose” (so as to suggest disaggregation of a built-up installation during collapse), often not contained within bounded space; it may be inferred that the collapse happened through intentional destruction by human agents of preexisting installations, or through erosion due to natural agents (especially rain and wind)
fi	fill	In general, a soil matrix with inclusions not laid horizontally, at least not uniformly so (e.g., sherds or bones with different and sharp “angles of repose”), often contained within a bounded space, from which one can infer intentional and one-time dumping
f1	fill in primary context	Material placed in a hole or trench for which it was dug (e.g.refuse in a pit dug for that purpose)
f2	fill in secondary context	Example: waste discard within a pit originally meant for storage
gully	gully	A channel created by flowing water that erodes and carries away soil
bf	brickfall	Bricks and mortar associated with the collapse of a specific wall
of	organic fill	Specifically dumped organic fill or midden
rf	roofing material	Material associated with the collapse of a specific roof

4. Ordered aggregation (walls, installations)

apron	apron	A decorative layer of large worked stones abutting the top of a revetment wall
baulk	baulk	A temporary "wall" of unexcavated material retained between loci. The purpose is to maintain stratigraphy and to provide a route for removal of spoils
be	bench	A low, narrow platform usually attached to a wall and designed for seating
bk-is	brick installation	An ordered construction of bricks whose purpuse either cannot be immediately determined or cannot be readily defined using exsisting codes
bp	brick pile	Individual bricks laid side by side, often set on their narrow side and leaning on each other, without the cohesion resulting from mortar binding
cr	corridor	A narrow passageway between two parallel walls
cut	cut	The outer excavated edge of a pit into which fill is placed
dw	doorway	An opening in a wall extendingn up from the floor intended to permit the passage of people or goods.
drain	drain	A narrow channel built to carry water away from the source where it is used or collected to a sink for discard
dam	dam	A wall built between two supporting structures and perpendicular to a water channel intended to control or impede the flow of water
escar	escarpment	A floor of hard material (stone or compacted baqaya) at the base of a revetment wall designed to carry water away from the wall and thus avoid undermining it
glacis	glacis	A hard, compacted coating of baqaya or other soil extending back from the top of a revetment wall and intended to direct rainwater over the wall top, thus preventing erosiom of the back of the wall
is	installation	In a general sense: a discrete whole whose component parts are ordered according to a structured organization, from which one can infer that it was set up intentionally to serve as a specific functional aggregate (13.4); this definition is used when more specific criteria are lacking
pf	platform	A raised installation with a large horizontal surface
pt	pit	A hole intentionally dug to contain discarded material or store material for future use
pt-a	pit aggregate	The cut of a pit and its fill
pt-c	pit cut	The hole intentionally dug for a pit
r	room	A space usually enclosed by four walls intended to serve a specific purpose, a kitchen for example
s	structure	Similar to an installation, but having fewer components and less organization
st	isolated stone	Free standing stone of significant size not associated with another feature
st-is	stone installation	An ordered construction of stones whose purpose cannot be immediately determined or does not fit a named definition
stair	stair	A rectangular block that facilitatess movement from one level to another
staircase	staircase	A series of stairs that facilitates movement between levels with significant vertical separation
tr	trench, trough	A shallow, narrow, long pit often used to house a foundation or drain
w	wall	A free-standing structure of narrow width, significant length and height often constructed of stone or brick. Separates two functional areas
well	well	A deep pit-like structure, sometimes lined, dug to access a water source from a higher level
wf	wall face or plaster	The exterior surface or coating of a wall

bn	bin	One or more structures used to confine or store a commodity
bu	burial	A simple structure, usually a pit, containind the remains of a human or animal. (not built up, see gv, hb)
gv	grave	A built up structure used to house human remains and often containing grave goods (see bu,hb)
he	hearth	A simle structure, either a pit or a semi-enclosed stone or brick space usually used for cooking
hs	house	A collection of rooms organized for family occupation
ki	kiln	An installation, usually formed by modofying a deep pit, used for firing ceramic vessels
ov	oven	An enclosed stone or clay structure used for cooking or baking
ta	tannur	A free-standing clay cylinder usually used for baking bread

5. Other features

ho	hole	Shallow depression formed by removal of soil
rh	rodent hole	A long narrow hole dug by a burrowing animal.
mix	mixed features	A combination of features from different categories (e.g. stone wall and accumulations against it). Usually applied to aggregates, not individual features
uc	uncertain	A feature that could be defined as one of several choices
uk	unknown	A feature that cannot be defined
vm	volumetric material	An artificial feature, i.e., one that does not match an ancient depositional reality, e.g., a portion of a baulk that is removed without reference to its stratigraphy
vr	various	A feature that can be defined by several choices. Also, when used as a category and called varia, catalogs features or items that have insufficient data to automatically assign an established category

(2) Items (movable elements)

The main criterion for sorting the various types of artifacts is the ware or material of the specific item. This is in some respects analogous to the criterion used for features, in that the definition is based on the consistency of the item and on the identification of traits that are apparent even at a low level of specificity.

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1. Metal

ma	metal artifact	Generic term (also category) for any item made from metal
sg	slag	Residue from metal smelting often found as tiny green particles
ar	arrowhead	Pointed metal object, often molded, hafted onto a thin wooden shaft and launched by a bow
ax	ax	Fist-sized metal object with a sharpened edge used for chopping, hafted onto a wood shaft
bd-m	metal bead	Bead made of metal instead of stone
coin	coin	Small metal disk of precious metal,usually decorated, that serves as a medium of exchange
mace	mace	Ceremonial staff carried by public officials. Head is often decorated. Shaft often wood
je	jewelry item	Metal object fashoned to adorn or decorate the human body, eg bracelet
pendant-m	metal pendant	Metal central element of a necklace or bracelet
pi	pin	Long, thin metal object used to fasten garments
spoon	spoon	Metal object similar in form and function to modern object with the sme name
sc	sculpture	Molded metal object that accurately depicts a specific diety, human, or animal, (contrast and compare with a figurine made in clay)
spd	spearhead	Pointed molded metal object, larger than an arrowhead, hafted onto a long shaft, and designed for thrusting
str-m	metal strainer	Small can with holes fitted on the end of a hollow reed thst filters out solids from sipped liquids
to-m	metal tool	Item fashioned from metal that assists in the performance of a repetative task

2. Stone

ar-s	stone arrowhead	Pointed, small, chipped stone tool, hafted onto a wood shaft, and designed for launching with a bow
ax-s	stone ax head	Similar to a metal ax in use, but made of stone
awl-s	stone awl	Pointed stone tool used to punch holes in softer material
spd-s	stone spearhead	Pointed chipped stone tool, larger than an arrowhead, hafted onto a long shaft, and designed for thrusting
db	debitage	Very small pieces of unused stone or obsidian removed in the process of fshioning a tool
pol	polishing stone	Stone tool used for burnishing unfired ceramics or polishiing metal items
to-s	stone tool	Item fashioned from worked stone that assists in the performance of a repetative task
ds	door socket	Stone toroid (donut) used as the bottom pivot point of a door
flake	flake	Piece of stone or obsidian removed from a core that can be further worked into a stone tool
gr	grind stone	large stone tool used for grinding . Includes both mortar and pestal
je-s	stone jewelry	Jewelry item made from stone in lieu of metal
la	lithic artifact	Generic term (also category) for any item made from clay
ls	lithic specimen	Unworked stone selected for its unique properties (e.g., a gypsum pebble)
bd	bead	Small spherical, cubical, cylindrical, or pyramoidal stone, often colored or semi-precious, with a small hole drilled through it. Often strung with others as a bracelet or necklace
bl	blade	Worked stone tool fashioned for cutting or scraping
mace-s	stone mace	Mace fashoned from stone rather than metal
pendant-s	stone pendant	Stone central element of a necklace or braceletl
sc-s	stone sculpture	Sculpture fashioned from stone rather than metal
se	seal	Carved stone cylinder or stamp containing either geometric designs, scenes depicting humans and animals, writing, or a combination of the preceding. It is rolled across wet clay to indicate ownership of a container or seal a doorway

3. Clay

qp	pottery lot	ceramiac vessels and sherds taken from a measured volume of excavated soil, a q-lot.
cv	ceramic vessel	vessels made from fired clay suitable for storing commodities as well household and industrial uses
andiron	andiron	A small, cubical clay oven-structure fired with charcoal and used for both sacrifices and cooking
bd-c	clay bead	Bead made of clay rather than stone
cl	clay lump	Piece of clay, irregularly formed, that possibly has a seal impression or may be a tablet
cm	clay model	Small replica of a larger object, often a building, made of baked clay
kw	kiln waste	Vitrified, amorphous matter from ceramic kiln (cf. kwr, slag)
kwr	kiln waster	kiln waster: misshapen or molten ceramic piece(s) or fragment(s). The difference between kw and kwr is significant, for a waster (kwr) retains at least partially the shape of the object that had been initially intended, and as such it qualifies as a proper artifact
b	bowl	Alternatve definition for bowl
bo	bowl	Rounded clay vessel with a wide opening at its top (rim/height: 3/1)
bt	bottle	Rounded clay vessel with a narrow opening at the top (rim/height: 1/5)
ca	clay artifact	Generic term (also category) for any item made from clay
chariot	chariot model	Clay model of a wheeled cart usually drawn by horses and used for rapid travel.
c	cup	Alternatve definition for cup
cup	cup	A small bowl used for drinking beverages
di	dish	Low, flattened circular clay vessel (small platter)
go	goblet	Small, rounded clay vessel with a narrow mouth (proportions as for small jar)
h	jar shoulder	Jar shoulder
j	jar	Alternative definition for jar
ja	jar	Large, rounded clay vessel with a narrow mouth (rim/height: 1/3)
l	plate	Baked clay item similar to, but smaller than a platter
p	pot	Alternative definition for a pot
po	pot	Large, rounded clay vessel with a wide mouth (rim/height: 1/1)
pl	platter	Low, flattened circular clay vessel (rim/height: 5/1)
d	stand	Fired clay platform designed to support a large vessel
bk	brick	Speciman of building material saved for expert analysis
sb	sling ball	Hard, baked clay, egg-shaped object used as ammunition for a slingshot
se-c	clay seal	Seal (usually a stamp seal made from baked clay
sherd	sherd	Individual fragment of a broken ceramic vessel
si	seal impressiom	Refers to the impression left by a seal (the seal itself may be reconstructed as a “trace,” see 13.3)
sl	sealing	Refers to the object used to seal an opening (generally a container or a door), whether it has been sealed with a seal or not
s	strainer	Alternative definition for clsy strainer
str	clay strainer	Bowl-shaped baked clay item with holes designed to separate liquids from solids
token	token	Object that represents something else. e.g. a spherical piece of baked clay
fg	figurine	An artistic rendering in baked clay of an animal or human, It may have served as a toy or had a cerimonial or votive function
k	worked disk	Wheel-like baked clay item that is not holed
v	other vessel	Clay vessel whose shape does not match those currently defined
w	bowl carination	Out-turned portion of the rim of a clay vessel
wh	wheel	Holed baked clay disk associated with chariot or wagon models

4. Organic

qb	bone lot	Bones taken from a measured volume of excavated soil, a q-lot
bd-sh	shell bead	Bead made from shell rather than stone
bi	bitumen	Thick, black petroleum residue used, among other things, to repair ceramics (glue), line vessels, and waterproof surfaces
a-bone	animal bone	Specimen of a particular bone of interest from an animal
ba	bone artifact	Generic category that collects any object of interest made of bone
needle	needle	Pointed sliver of bone with a hole for holding thread and used for sewing
seed	seed	Part of a mature plant that is able to generate a new plant
shell	shell artifact	Generic category that collects any object of interst, either a shell or item made of shell
wa	wood artifact	Generic category that collects any object of interest made of wood
cs	carbon specimen	Charcoal or seeds collected for analysis
ashs	ash sample	Sample of ash collected for analysis
awl	awl	Pointed bone or stone tool used to punch holes in softer material
board	board	(as on back of sealings)
charcoal	charcoal	Organic material heated to a high temperature in an environment devoid of oxygen
hb	human body	Bones and other decayed material associated with a human being found in a grave (gv) or burial (bu)
in	inlays	Decorative additions applied to the surface of wood objects (generally made of shell or mother-of-pearl)
ro	root	The underground parts of a plant
peg	peg	A wood dowel used to secure two objects, e.g. a closed door to its frame
string	string	A length of woven fiber used to secure two objects or used in conjunction with wet clay to seal a vessel
tooth	tooth	Speciman of a tooth from a human or animal

5. Glass items

ga	glass artifact	Generic category that collects any object made of glass
je-g	glass jewelry	Jewelry item made of glass or frit in lieu of metal
bd-g	glass bead	Bead made of glass or frit
pendant-g	glass pendant	Glass or frit central element of a necklace or braceletl

6. Other items

oa	other artifact	An item not otherwise able to be defined under other categories. (Also a category) If used, a text entry description under code "ds" is required
sm	sample	Exemplar of a thing whose individual parts cannot be counted, e.g. sand. (non count, see sp)
sp	specimen	Exemplar of a thing whose individual parts can be counted, e,g, seeds (count, see sm)
brac	bracelet	Jewelry item comrised of strung beads or fashioned from metal designed to be worn around the wrist
so	soil sample	Small quantity removed for analysis, usually for botanicals
neck	necklace	Jewelry item comprised of strung beads and pendants or fashoned from metal designed to be worn around the neck
to	tool	Any item fashoned to assist a person in performing a task, e.g. a pestle. contrast with jewelry (je) designed to be decorative
vs	vessel	An object made to contain a liquid or granular substance, e.g. a jar
we	weapon	A tool made for fighting or warfare
su	statue	A large, free standing sculpture depicting a diety or human
e	epigraphic	Refers to anything with writing on it, e.g., a sherd, a seal, a seal impression
t	tablet	Refers to an object shaped for writing, whether in fact epigraphic or anepigraphic

(3) Combined alphabetical list for features and items

a	accumulation: gradual buildup, bounded by walls or abutting at least one wall
aa	accumulation, type a: above floor surface (“living floor”)
ab	accumulation, type b: above accumulation
ac	accumulation, type c: not above floor, e.g. abandonment
ad	accumulation, type d: natural accumulation (i.e., sedimentation)
ar	arrowhead
ash	-
awl	-
ax	ax(head)
ba	band (horizontal deposit with sharp lower and merging upper boundaries)
ba	bone artifact
bd	bead
be	bench
bf	brickfall (specific collapse)
bk	brick
bl	blade
bn	bin
bo	bowl (rim/height: 3/1)
board	(as on back of sealings)
bp	brick pile
bt	bottle (rim/height: 1/5)
bu	burial (not built up, see gv, hb)
ca	clay artifact
cb	carbon
cl	clay lump (and possible tablet)
co	collapse (not contained within bounded space)
cr	corridor
cv	ceramic vessel
d	doorway
di	dish (small platter)
e	epigraphic: refers to anything with writing on it
f	floor surface in general
f1	fill in primary context (e.g., within a foundation trench)
f2	fill in secondary context (e.g., discard within a pit originally meant for storage)
fa	floor, type a (plastered or lined)
fb	floor, type b (highly compacted)
flake	-
fc	floor, type c (medium compacted)
fd	floor, type d (compacted naturally)
fg	figurine
fi	fill in general (contained within bounded space)
go	goblet (proportions as for small jar)
gv	grave (built up, see bu,hb)
hb	human body (see bu, gv)
he	hearth
ho	hole
hs	house
ia	item aggregate (e.g., vessels on floor)
in	inlays (generally made of shell or mother-of-pearl)
is	installation
ja	jar (rim/height: 1/3)
je	jewelry item
ki	kiln
kw	kiln waste: vitrified, amorphous matter from ceramic kiln (cf. kwr, slag)
kwr	kiln waster: misshapen or molten ceramic piece(s) or fragment(s)
la	lens type a (same criteria as for as accumulation a)
lb	lens type b (same criteria as for as accumulation b)
lc	lens type c (same criteria as for as accumulation c)
ld	lens type d (same criteria as for as accumulation d)
lm	lamination
ln	lens, same as accumulation, but not abutting any walls
ls	lithic specimen
ly	layer ((horizontal deposit with sharp lower and upper boundaries)
ma	metal artifact
mace	-
mud	-
or	organic refuse or midden
ov	oven
pa	pavement, type a: coating (heavier than fa: cement, bitumen)
pb	pavement, type b: large components (flagstones, bricks or tiles)
pc	pavement, type c: small components (pebbles, sherds)
-	peg
pf	platform
pi	pin
pl	platter (rim/height: 5/1)
po	pot (rim/height: 1/1)
pt	pit
pv	pavement in general (floor defined structurally by distinct surface elements)
qb	bone lot
qp	pottery lot
r	room
rf	roof collapse and roofing material
rh	rodent hole
ro	root
s	structure
sc	sculpture
sc	sculpture
se	seal
sf	subfloor
sg	slag (from metal smelting)
sh	spearhead
shell	-
si	seal impression
sl	sealing
sm	sample (non count, see sp)
so	soil
sp	specimen (count, see sm)
spoon	-
st-is	stone installation (isolated stones, threshold, steps,…)
string	-
su	statue
t	tablet
ta	tannur (bread oven)
to	tool
tr	trench, trough
ts	topsoil: this is generally a band or layer
vs	vessel
vol	volumetric feature
w	wall
wa	wood artifact
we	weapon
wf	wall wace
wh	wheel

(4) Codes for incidentals

[Codes in red have been created in September 2022 for CONSERVATION -- ZG911 mDP.]

Code	Explanation
*Related to excavation*
--i	introduction
-ae	aerial photography
-dy	daily
-eq	equipment
-fl	file log
-iv	inventory
-lb	labeling
-lg	log
-mk	marker
-mt	methods and techniques
-ns	notes on time sequencing
-ov	overall shot
-ph	phase
-rd	roster definition
-rs	record shot
-sf	staff
-sg	strategy
-sn	section
-so	site overall
-sp	special project
-sr	strata description
-st	storage
-su	summary
-sy	surveying
-tr	transmittal
-vr	varia
-wa	work activities
-wk	workmen
-zx	site general, excavations

Code	Explanation
*Unrelated to excavation*
-bf	burlap fixing
-cl	cleaning
-cy	city scenes
-da	damages
-eh	expedition house
-el	expedition life
-fn	fauna
-fr	flora
-gm	general maintenance
-gv	general view
-hl	health and medical
-id	individuals
-lhi	left-hand-side intro
-lhm	left-hand-side miscellaneous
-lhs	left-hand-side stratigraphy
-lht	left-hand-side typology
-ls	landscape
-nm	name, address, reference
-ny	next year
-oa	official activities
-pc	people and customs
-pr	public relations (excludes visitors)
-pw	public works
-re	restoration
-si	stone re-installation
-tv	travel
-vb	village, general
-vs	visits and visitors
-we	weather
-wr	weed removal

A full alphabetical listing follows:

--i	introduction
-ae	aerial photography
-bf	burlap fixing
-cl	cleaning
-cy	city scenes
-da	damages
-dy	daily
-eh	expedition house
-el	expedition life
-eq	equipment
-fl	file log
-fn	fauna
-fr	flora
-gm	general maintenance
-gv	general view
-hl	health and medical
-id	individuals
-iv	inventory
-lb	labeling
-lg	log
-lhi	left-hand-side introduction
-lhm	left-hand-side miscellaneous
-lhs	left-hand-side stratigraphy
-lht	left-hand-side typology
-ls	landscape
-mk	marker
-mt	methods and techniques
-nm	name, address, references
-ns	notes on time sequencing
-ny	next year
-oa	official activities
-ov	overall shot
-pc	people and customs
-ph	phase
-pr	public relations (excludes visitors)
-pw	public works
-rd	roster definition
-re	restoration
-rs	record shot
-sf	staff
-sg	strategy
-si	stone re-installation
-sn	section
-so	site overall
-sp	special project
-sr	strata description
-st	storage
-su	summary
-sy	surveying
-tr	transmittal
-tv	travel
-vb	village buildings
-vg	village, general
-vr	varia
-vs	visits and visitors
-wa	work activities
-we	weather
-wk	workmen
-wr	weed removal
-zx	site general, excavations

7.6 Variants for variable D3 = wm: Ware or material

One will find here only major categories that are easily recognizable during excavations. Finer definition, e.g., with regard to the nature of a metal to be redefined as a certain type of copper alloy, will be given as a special lexicon, of the type described presently in 21.

bn	bone
cl	clay (finer definitions of ceramic wares are given in 21.2)
gl	glass or frit
li	lithic (finer definitions will be given in 21; here only obsidian is identified, since it is easily recognizable at first glance)
mt	metal
ob	obsidian
sh	shell
wd	wood

7.7 Variants for variable F2=tc: Contact association

Concepts

      This lexical category is one of the most powerful in the whole grammar, on two grounds (see also 5.9; 31.2).
      In the first place, the categorization given here aims at being exhaustive. In this respect, and unlike other lexica, it is meant as a closed system, to which no other terms can be added. It is conceived, in other words, as a paradigm with a precise structural configuration that excludes variations or expansions. Clearly, this is not a matter of semantics. To say that a jar sits in a pit, or that a pit contains a jar, are equivalent formulations of the same reality, semantic variations applicable to the same paradigmatic slot.
      The second reason for the importance of this particular paradigm is that it serves as the basis for the construction of the depositional synopsis (the equivalent of the so-called “Harris matrix”), which is derived automatically from the data once their contact association has been observed and defined according to the terms of the paradigm (see below, 32). Besides the practical advantage of such a procedure, one must note the all important conceptual correlation that is thereby established between emplacement and deposition. The observation of physical contact is demonstrable and documentable, and on it rests a univocal conclusion as to the depositional processes that have brought about the situation as observed. In other words, the data as observed are physically present in the ground and can be described in relationship to volumes, but the inference that is drawn from it speaks to the depositional process in a way that is predefined and hence predictable. It should be noted that, except in the case of bonding (3b), it is always clear which of the two volumes is the subject of the verb and which is the object. What is crucial in terms of the depositional inference just mentioned is that the subject is always in a temporal relation of posteriority vis-à-vis the object (except for 3b). This also makes recording easier, in that during the recording phase the contact association is always entered only once, namely under the element that serves as subject.

Nature of the verbal categorization

      Three additional points must be stressed. The first is that each definition is meant to define a term that is part of a paradigm, i.e., a term that is in structural contrast with all the other elements of the paradigm. It matters little whether we say that something “leans” or “is placed” against something else. What really matters is the paradigmatic definition that defines this process in contrast with all the others.
      The second is that the exclusivity I claim may well be disproved. I argue for it on the basis of my (inductive) experience with data against which I have tested this paradigm over the years, and I also argue for it on the basis of a (deductive) logic that seeks to interpret a priori the universe of possible relationships. Corrections and additions are certainly possible. But what must be kept in mind is that they must be done systemically, i.e., with a vie towards respecting the integrity of the correlations among all members of the set, and not in an ad hoc fashion that simply adds synonyms or paraphrases.
      The third is that each and every relationship is in the active voice, and it entails a single subject and a single object. Descriptively, it of course makes sense to say that an accumulation is cut by a pit (in the passive voice). It is only a practical choice that privileges the active instead pf the passive voice, because in so doing we achieve a uniformity that allows the person who does the recording to enter the relationship only once, when it affects the subject, leaving it to the programs to generate the converse for the object.

Definitions

Here I will define in detail the nature of each term of the paradigm in an order that reflects the temporal sequence inherent in each action, from the point of view of the object. Thus the process described under 1a “truncation” is the first event that can affect the object of the pertinent sentence (e.g., a floor that is truncated by a pit), and 5b describes the last event that can so affect it (e.g., a pottery lot sits in an accumulation overlaying a floor).

1a: to cut – Total truncation of a volume, affecting both the upper and the lower faces of the volume that is the object of the verb. As a result, the contiguity of the different portions of the truncated volume takes place only along the edges of the truncated volume itself.
1b: to intrude – Insertion into a volume, where only the upper face of the (object) volume is affected. As a result, the contiguity of the different portions of the truncated volume takes place in the lower part, as well as long the edges, of the truncated volume itself.

2a: to lean against – Partial contact of two volumes in their upper part, which implies that their lower part are not adjacent, whether the space in between is filled or not.
2b: to rest on – Partial contact of two volumes where the bottom of one is in contact with the top of the other.

3a: to abut – Adjacency of two volumes along one of their edges, entirely preserved, whereby no space is left between the two volumes, consequently without either void or fill. This implies intentionality of juxtaposition, and the contemporary presence of both volumes at the time that the abutting took place.
3b: to bond with – Interlocking of two volumes along their edges, entirely preserved. In a sense, the two volumes constitute therefore a single feature, and if they are kept separate it is because they are clearly distinguishable in terms of shape and other possible traits. This is the only case where one cannot identify a subject, since the two volumes are wholly reversible.

4a: to cover – Total superposition of one volume over the other, whereby the upper side of the lower is not in contact with any other volume.
4b: to overlay – Partial superposition of one volume over the other, whereby the upper volume does not entirely cover the lower, as when a large sherd straddles the top opening of a pit and the floor into which the pit has been cut.

5a: to cap – Matching of all the edges of one volume with the corresponding edges of the second volume, as in the case of a lid whose edges match exactly the opening onto which it is set.
5b: to sit in – Matching of all the sides of a given volume by the matrix within which it is embedded. This is typically the case with items found within an accumulation or a fill. Note that the tendency is to refer to this relationship by saying that the matrix contains the inclusion. However, the relative temporal sequence is inverted, in that the inclusion is deposited at a later point in time within the matrix, which, in fact, it helps to construe. Accordingly, I prefer to use the term “to sit in” which reflects the proper temporal sequence.

Synopsis

      The following chart provides a synopsis of all ten types, with a sketch that represents graphically the situation intended. In these sketches, the subject is highlighted with a dark, and the object with a light color. At the top is the last, and at the bottom the earliest, process that can affect the object.

     Chart 7-7
     Type of contact association

seq.#		code	verb	definition	example	sketch
1	a	cu	to cut	truncation	pit cuts floor
1	b	in	to intrude	insertion	pit intrudes fill
2	a	le	to lean against	partial contact at top	jar leans against wall
2	b	re	to rest on	partial contact at bottom	jar rests on floor
3	a	ab	to abut	adjacency of edges	floor abuts wall
3	b	bo	to bond with	interlocking of edges	wall bonds w/ wall (note that in this case either wall can serve as subject or object)
4	a	co	to cover	total superposition	floor covers wall
4	b	ov	to overlay	partial superposition	floor overlays wall
5	a	ca	to cap	matching of edges	lid caps jar
5	b	si	to sit in	matching of sides	sherds sit in accumulation

7.8 Variants for variable K4=sh: Shape – for ceramic vessels

(M. Kelly-Buccellati)

These codes are applicable for pottery shapes only, i.e., they are applicable when the variants for roster slot B10=df “definition” include either cv or any of the following: bo, bt, di, go, ja, po, pl. Note: the symbol >> means “considerably greater than.”

Overall shape

ob	bowl	(rim > height)
oc	cup	(small bowl)
oj	jar	(rim < height)
op	pot	(rim = height)
opl	platter	(rim >> height)
os	stand	no solid base
ox	other	shape should be described as a local note, e.g., ox @vat

Rim

rh	hole mouth
ri	inturned
ro	outturned
rs	straight
rx	other

Base

bf	flat
bfv	flat, slightly concave
bfx	flat, slightly convex
bhf	high footed
blf	low footed
bp	pointed
bring	ring
bround	rounded
bsp	slightly pointed
bx	other

Handle

hitab	interior triangular tab
hlug	triangular lug
hsc	small semi circular
hsh	strap handle
htab	tab

Other

x1	interior ledge for holding cover
x2	interior groove
x3	other

7.9 Variants for variable O11: View range

c	close-up
f	far shot
m	medium shot
t	tight shot
w	wide shot

For an explanation of the concepts behind the codes see above, 16.19 (O21).

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7.10 Variants for variable O12: View orientation

n	north
e	east
s	south
w	west
ne	northeast
nnenorth	northeast
etc.

7 The Main Lexicon