Back to top: Distributional analysis of ETC sherds
Introduction
As an example of a data-based narrative I offer here an analysis of the ditribution of Early Trans-Caucasian sherds in unit A16.
Back to top: Distributional analysis of ETC sherds
Singularity and big data
What we have called the “dignity of the fragment” emerges crearly from this case of distributional analysis that I have illustrated using the ceramics of unit A16.It is not only that we are dealing with only nine sherds out of almost 60,000 in this unit. Even more important is the fact that for each of these sherds one obtains a full stratigraphic and typological description, which, in the case of A16q314-p4 (highlighted in the chart above), includes detailed photographs that illusrate in detail the nature of this particular Early Trans-Caucasian ware.
Big data should not be understood simply as massive amounts of raw data. The size of the total mass does matter (in our case, almost 60,000 sherds). But what is just as important is (a) the degree of detailed categorizaion that applies to each element, and (b) the ability to maintain the singularity of each element of this mass. Through the function of digital discourse as we understand it, this singularity allows one to reach at any moment the most minute detail, which would otherwise be lost in the anonymous vortex of statistical comuputations.
Back to top: Distributional analysis of ETC sherds