describe aggregative method
photo inA16 with many levels photo of small picks in the ground
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Context: disaggregation
In their original state, data are disengaged from the soil which acts as the amorpohus matrix in which the “things” are found. They came to rest there as the result of multiple cultural and natural forces, and often over very long periods of time.
In a few cases, the original state is preserved, and then we can see the data in their primary functional aggregation. The most obvious case obtains when several walls are seen to constitute a room or a whole building. Another case is that of objects laying on the same floor level, or contained with a pit. These aggregates may be seen as portions of the otherwise disaggregate universe as it is uncovered by the excavation.
Back to top: The matrix: introduction
Method: aggregation
For the most part, the data show no structural relationship to each other – i. e., they do not reflect their original functional setting. Their primary definition is thus tied to their findspot and their association with the other elements with which they are in contact.
We may say that in this stage we aggregate the disaggregation. This process is subsumed under the concept and the practice of stratigraphy.
Back to top: The matrix: introduction
System: stratigraphy
Stratigraphy. – There are static and dynamic aspects of statigraphic analysis, all relating to the way in which the relationship the data have with each other in the ground.
Back to top: The matrix: introduction