31st May 2009, 12:25 PM
David - I think that residuality and context is a problem that we need to address with any artefact type. In fact the examples that you suggest combined with the new dating technique, may be very helpful in dealing with dating structures rather than finds i.e a pit full of 'medieval' tile that the new technique dates to AD1941 is almost certainly a modern-pit irrespective of the apparent age of the finds assemblage.
Us old-school stratigraphists would welcome that distinction being re-mphasised.....sometimes the glee of 'artefactists' triumphing the singularity of objects rather than the context in which they are found, can be hurtful to our sensitive, stratified, Faustian souls.....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...
Us old-school stratigraphists would welcome that distinction being re-mphasised.....sometimes the glee of 'artefactists' triumphing the singularity of objects rather than the context in which they are found, can be hurtful to our sensitive, stratified, Faustian souls.....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...