Introductory

Back to top: Introductory

The epistemic framework

The epistemic aspect of archaeological field work relates to the way in which data are acquired and defined within a coherent explanatory system, and are then integrated into a larger frame of reference. We may look at this from three parallel points of view and we will organize the material accordingly.

1. Process refers to the type of analysis that is brought to bear on the data .
2. Context refers to the way in which data occur physically, in the ground or after the excavation.
3. Method refers to the specific procedures used in dealing with the data

Here is an overview of the entire framework, which will be discussed in some detail below.

	process	context	method
1	disentangling	matrix	stratigraphy
2	structuring	assemblage	typology
			integrative
3	restructuring	selected whole	conservation
			presentation

Back to top: Introductory

Three types of process

The three types of process follow sequentially one another, and may be defined as follows, on the basis of their respective contexts.

1. The matrix is the raw setting in which data are first encountered – stratigraphy.

2. Once extricated from the matrix, the data can be structured into assemblages according to criteria that are
   

   1. either intra-referential, i. e., based on criteria derived from the elements identified in the matrix – typology,
   2. or extra-referential, i. e., based on data found outside the matrix – integrative.

3. A selection of the data can then be restructured, both
   

   1. physically through conservation and
   2. descriptively through presentation.

Beyond epistemics, i.e., through hermeneutics,, data can be re-appropriated as they are integrated and recognized as “heritage” by those who share the same territorial identity.

Back to top: Introductory

Theory and its implementation

The theoretical framework I have described is closely reflected in the digital unit books. The two images on the right show how the unit books mirror the theoretical scheme of the Grammar: the Grammar displays the description of the data in terms of the process and the method, while the unit book displays the data in terms of the system      In other words, the left sidebar in the Grammar highights the theoretical orientation that governs the system, as explained above, while the A16 unit book sidebar is in the section on Overviews within the Synthetic section, and it highlights the orientation one would expect when dealing with the materials from the excavation.

Back to top: Introductory

References

Miera 2023