Article
Excavator Bias at the Site of Pech de l'Azé IV, France
Journal of Field Archaeology
(2005)
Abstract
Existing archaeological collections hold great potential for archaeologists who seek to answer specific research questions with minimal investment of time and money. Unfortunately, biases introduced in the field and during curation require us to evaluate and reorganize collections before and during analysis. Biases are reflected in collections as a result of research design, recovery methods, interpersonal variability, and the storage of both objects and documentation. By comparing collections from two different excavations at the Middle Paleolithic site of Pech de l'Azé IV, France, a number of biases in the older collection were identified and corrected. While all older collections are not affected by the same problems, our experience serves as a useful example to others who work with them.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2005
DOI
10.1179/009346905791072242
Citation Information
Harold L. Dibble, Teresa Raczek and Shannon P. McPherron. "Excavator Bias at the Site of Pech de l'Azé IV, France" Journal of Field Archaeology Vol. 30 Iss. 3 (2005) p. 317 - 328 ISSN: 2042-4582 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/teresa-raczek/18/