Fragments of the Past

Abstract

Microartifact analysis, the study of the density and distribution of tiny (yet visible) fragments of ceramics, bone, worked stone, and other microartifacts, offers a promising solution to the challenges of determining the location and nature of activity areas at archaeological sites. In spite of the fact that microartifact analysis has been successfully applied at sites in North America and the Middle East, archaeologists have yet to recognize the utility of this methodology in most of the rest of the world. The purpose of this article is, therefore, to test whether this methodology can be profitably applied in the southern Andes. To do so, we describe the results of microartifact sampling, processing, and analytical techniques that we applied to two phases of occupation at the site of Tumilaca la Chimba in southern Peru. The results of the research outlined in this article suggest that microartifact analysis is an effective analytical technique that can contribute greatly to archaeological praxis.

Tracing the spatial organization and activity zones of an Early Mediaeval homestead at the Pohansko stronghold (Czechia) by combining geophysics and geochemical mapping

“…Microartefact analysis (MAA) is considered an effective tool for distinguishing residues of past human activities and determining the locations and possible nature of activity areas (e.g., Rosen, 1993; Sherwood et al, 1995; Stafford, 1995). MAA has been applied to many archaeological sites (Homsey‐Messer & Humkey, 2016; Parker et al, 2018; Parker & Sharratt, 2017) and makes it possible to study smaller volumes of sediment (Dunnell & Stein, 1989; Stafford, 1995). In some cases, MAA can offer a different and complementary dataset about archaeological sites (Homsey‐Messer & Ortmann, 2016).…”

“…Microartefact analysis (MAA) is considered an effective tool for distinguishing residues of past human activities and determining the locations and possible nature of activity areas (e.g., Rosen, 1993;Sherwood et al, 1995;Stafford, 1995). MAA has been applied to Parker & Sharratt, 2017) and makes it possible to study smaller volumes of sediment (Dunnell & Stein, 1989;Stafford, 1995).…”