Culture, chronology and change in the Later Neolithic of North Mesopotamia

The aim of this thesis is to examine the spatial, temporal and social patterning of the late Neolithic of north Iraq. In traditional terms, this covers the Hassuna and Halaf cultures. UndeqJining much of the analysis is a new chronology for the period which fits the available evidence better than has been achieved previously. This chronology emphasises the continuities as much as the changes and stress has been laid on making it general and able to accommodate regional variations. Important new information on the transition between the I-lassuna and the I-Ialaf was obtained by the excavation of one site, Khirbet Garsour, and the detailed surface collection of others in the North Jezira Project survey. Instead of this transition being very abmpt, it is argued that it is a smooth change in north Iraq with considerable cultural continuity. The spread of a single ceramic style over central and northern Iraq and northern Syria is proposed as occurring late in the Hassuna/Samarran sequence rather than several hundred years later in the Halaf.In chapter 6, it is argued that the period saw a progressive degradation of the environment in the main areas of settlement, which may have had an important influence on potential subsistence strategies. Chapter 7 presents new information on the sites from the North Jezira Project survey in north Iraq. Site distributions are analysed on as fine a chronological scale as possible and an emerging settlement hierarchy by the end of the Halaf is suggested. This chapter also considers how space was used within sites and suggests that major changes in the composition and relations of social groups may have occurred during this period. Chapter 8 evaluates evidence for long and short distance exchange systems using the examples of obsidian and pottery. It is suggested that exchange of raw materials was already taking place in a sophisticated manner even at the start of the period. There is evidence that these exchange systems were becoming more complex and transferring larger quantities of goods by the end of the Halaf and that new types of products are being included in the exchange. Chapter 9 looks at the burial evidence and suggests that, although there is some evidence for competition, there is little indication of social hierarchies. Chapter 10 re-examines the Burnt House at Arpachiyah and suggests that it indicates not just social and political control but bureaucratic means of administering it. Certain types of pottery were probably restricted to specific prestige contexts in the late Halaf.t is suggested that the traditional culture group is not well suited to describing spatial entities in this period. Instead, stylistic analysis may be an important future method and new techniques for the analysis of decoration are proposed. Finally, the scale of social development is discussed and it is suggested that significant developments in social organisation of long term significance took place in this period

Down to Earth Archaeology

Down to Earth Archaeology collects sixteen archaeological papers by Professor William Y. Adams chosen by the author, who added introductory commentary to each. These articles were written at various times during his lengthy and productive academic career for different purposes and for different audiences. Most of those selected had been previously published only in a limited way, either as conference proceedings or contributions to various Festschriften, and as such he wanted to enable them to reach a wider readership than they had originally. He described this collection as his ‘dernières pensées’. The essays encompass a wide range of topics, from reflections upon the successes, failures and lessons learned from the UNESCO International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia in the 1960s, in which Bill was very much a leading figure and which he was uniquely positioned to critique, to discussions and criticisms of the theoretical framework of ‘New’ or ‘Processual Archaeology’ and its application of ‘scientific’ methods. Other papers included here are seminal works discussing the ideological concepts of typology and classification and their practical application to archaeological excavations, notably his own major excavations conducted at the large Nubian cityscapes of Meinarti, Kulubnarti and Qasr Ibrim, and the ceramic kilns at Faras.

Sebastopol State Historical Park (41GU9), Seguin, Texas: Archeological Excavations, 1978-1988

The town of Seguin in Guadalupe County, Texas, was known for its numerous limecrete structures. Limecrete structures probably once numbered more than 100; now, the house known as Sebastopol is one of only two still standing. Between 1978 and 1988, archeological excavations were conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in and around Sebastopol. The excavations were preparatory to and in conjunction with architectural restoration of the building and development of the site as a State Historical Park. Archeological excavations were intended to evaluate only those areas impacted by the architectural restoration. Excavation units were placed primarily in and around the building, but also around the cistern and in other yard areas. This report, prepared by Prewitt and Associates, Inc., summarizes the excavation seasons and provides analyses of ceramics from across the site as well as diagnostic artifacts from three rooms in the house. Artifacts range in age from the mid nineteenth century up to modem times and came from as far away as Europe and the Far East. Of 106,586 artifacts recovered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4,071 artifacts are discussed here

The drums of the southern TRB

This dissertation examines the clay drums found in the Neolithic contexts of the southern Trichterrandbecher culture (TRB).Chapter 1 introduces the subject and provides basic definitions.Chapter 2 reviews the archaeological literature of the southern TRB, including typological, stratigraphic and dating concerns, followed by a survey of the settlement, economic and burial evidence.Chapter 3 reviews the classifications of the drums and proposes a revised version, based on the vessel form, the decoration and the archaeological context.In Chapter 4 we review the comparative analysis of the decoration and vessel form with a view to understanding their origins.Chapter 5 summarises the anthropological and archaeological literature on the subject of shamanism, and shamanistic practices, reviewing the concept of altered states of consciousness and providing definitions of the terms "trance", "ecstasy", "shamanism" and "possession". Then we discuss the neurological evidence of shamanism and brain structure, and explain the technical terminology. The chapter then proceeds to examine the methods of inducing changes in consciousness, specifically the use of auditory driving and imagery cultivation, finishing with a look at the evidence of European shamanisms.Chapter 6 examines the validity of applying a shamanistic approach using the comparison with entoptic imagery.Chapter 7 summarises the investigation, and after sifting the evidence draws conclusions on the interpretation of the Neolithic drums, the plausibility of shamanistic approaches and the nature of music in human culture

Ceramic Architectural Models from the Madaba Plains Region: A Selected Art Historical Analysis

Problem Architectural models can be described as small, ceramic, house-shaped structures that come in an often bewildering array of shapes and sizes. They appear all over the ancient Near East, and although evidence shows that they were created as early as the Neolithic period, they seem to have peaked in popularity and proliferation during the Iron Age. A few studies and several typologies have been offered over the years, but none have addressed iconography or artistic motifs as well as shape. Furthermore, no in-depth typology of architectural models within the country of Jordan has been offered. This dissertation explores the symbiotic relationship between art-historical analysis and archaeology by comparing mostly unpublished architectural models and fragments from two sites in Jordan, Tall al-\u27Umayri and Khirbet \u27Ataruz, and paralleling them with the larger corpus of architectural models from surrounding regions. Method Drawing on previous studies and typologies, this study involves a comprehensive description of each object from an art-historical viewpoint. Visual inspection and study of these objects first-hand was placed against a broader picture put forth by publications, focusing on iconography, potential interpretation, and architectural models in general. Positioned within the context of the archaeological setting, this analysis has allowed for suggested interpretations about the iconography, creation, use, and proposed cultic practices of which these objects were part. Results and Conclusions The results of this study have shown that the architectural models and fragments chosen for research were an important part of a thriving cultic life during the Iron Age at both Tall al-\u27Umari and Khirbet \u27Ataruz. The study has also revealed a busy architectural model industry that is demonstrated by the varying styles, ability levels, and cultural influences found within each object. By analyzing the formal artistic qualities of each object within the archaeological context, the importance that these objects had upon the lives of those who created them as well as the patrons who utilized and worshiped through them has been demonstrated. The analysis of fragments along with more complete forms has also allowed for a greater picture of distribution and has revealed that these objects were more common than previously thought. The compilation of the data gathered in this study called for a new type of typology to be created in order to unify and streamline research for the architectural models of Transjordan. The creation of the Madaba Plains Architectural Model Typology allows for a more streamlined categorization based on type and ornamentation and is easily adaptable as new data comes to light

COMMUNITY STRATEGIES IN THE AZTEC IMPERIAL FRONTIER: PERSPECTIVES FROM TOTOGAL, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Using archaeological and ethnohistorical data, this dissertation examines the character of the relationship between the Late Postclassic (ca. AD 1250-1520) frontier center of Totogal, located in the western Tuxtla Mountains (Toztlan) of southern Veracruz, Mexico, and the expanding Aztec Empire. Traditional models of imperialism examine frontiers from a core perspective that limits the autonomy and agency of groups in the path of expansion. Recent ethnographic, ethnohistoric, and archaeological studies of other boundaries, however, suggest that considerable room for negotiation exists within the space of interactions, whether asymmetrical amounts of power characterize the home bases of those groups. I argue that elites at Totogal, using imperial symbols and markers of their own high status, sponsored feasts and rituals for the non-elite public, during which they brokered the potentially conflicting interests of the Aztecs and the tribute paying population of the Tuxtlas. The invitation of the public to feasts and rituals that combined imperial and local elite symbols (and possibly green obsidian), naturalized the relationship between local elites and imperial representatives with non-elite occupants of Totogal and nearby settlements by establishing a reciprocal system of gifting whereby food and drink, served in the context of elaborate religious and commensal rituals, provided a benefit to the Tuxteco public which, along with other exotic highland goods, was viewed as an acceptable exchange for the local tribute items that the empire desired. This study is an important application of current anthropological perspectives on boundaries, borders, and frontiers to the Aztec Empire. It is also a critical examination of the types of strategies individuals and groups living in boundary regions can enact in situations of contact and change. While studies of modern groups in boundary regions have addressed identity construction and manipulation, and other dynamic social, political, and cultural processes that take place, they do not typically or systematically examine how the negotiations that are enacted in boundary zones are materialized—how changing identities are represented symbolically through the use of particular products or consumption patterns. It is in this area that archaeological perspectives on boundary zone interactions can make important contributions to the modern world

A Cultural Resource Survey of a 5.8-acre Potential Fort Bend County Tract, Fort Bend County, Texas

On May 12, May 13, and June 5, 2015, Moore Archeological Consulting, Inc., conducted a cultural resource investigation of a privately owned 5.8-acre tract of land for the Fort Bend County Facilities Management & Planning Department, Fort Bend County, Texas. The tract is being considered for purchase by Fort Bend County. While Fort Bend County is interested in developing the current 5.8-acre project area, the specifics of this development are, as yet, undetermined. The objectives of the investigation were threefold: (1) to determine the presence or absence of cultural material within the 5.8-acre Fort Bend County tract; (2) to assess any potentially impacted archeological sites (including previously recorded site 41FB268) and provide recommendations regarding mitigation measures if any are necessary; (3) to provide a report of the results of the survey to Fort Bend County and the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The investigations were conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit Number 7274. The archeological field crew consisted of Project Archeologist and Principal Investigator Anastasia Gilmer and Field Technicians Steve Cummins, Abideme Babatunde Babalola, and Thomas Nuckols. v\An intensive pedestrian field survey of the 2.3 hectare (5.8 acre) project area was conducted, and included both surface and subsurface examination. A total of 46 (30 x 30 centimeter) shovel tests were excavated. In addition, three backhoe trenches were excavated to assist in the in the identification of deeply buried historic-period features such as trash pits and cisterns as well as to identify any prehistoric archeological material along the Brazos River. Although it was determined Site 41FB268 does not appear to extend across the fenceline into the project area, two historic-period sites, 41FB345 and 41FB346, were identified within the project area. 41FB345, the lesser of the two sites, is confined to small, plow-scattered late 19th century artifacts. Due to the disturbance of these materials by the plow zone and the loss of their original context, this site does not appear to possess the potential for future study. Consequently, 41FB345 is not considered eligible as a State Archeological Landmark or for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. No further archeological investigations are recommended at 41FB345. The site deposits at 41FB346 are well-preserved, contained a moderate density of artifacts, a moderate diversity of artifact types, as well as a collapsed architectural feature. A well and a small brick pavement -- both constructed from hand-made, low-fired brick -- were noted during the pedestrian survey. Shovel testing and backhoe work revealed a brick pavement at 10 cm beneath the surface to the north and east of the well. This subsurface brick pavement is also constructed with hand-made, low-fired brick and probably represents a brick-paved interior of a wooded structure rather than a brick-paved walkway. The early low-fired bricks suggested these features may pre-date 1870, although it seems more likely these bricks were repurposed for a late 19th century structure. This structure appears to be the home of a tenant or servant who was associated with an important family in Texas’s early history. Consequently, it is recommended that testing excavations be conducted at Site 41FB346 prior to any planned construction by Fort Bend County in order to determine if it should be considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. As the tract in currently privately owned and is being considered for purchase by Fort Bend County for eventual development, construction within the project area may not occur. The Facilities & Planning Department may either decide not to purchase the tract of land or to design its developments within the tract to minimize or avoid impact to these archeological resources

Down to Earth Archaeology

Down to Earth Archaeology collects sixteen archaeological papers by Professor William Y. Adams chosen by the author, who added introductory commentary to each. These articles were written at various times during his lengthy and productive academic career for different purposes and for different audiences. Most of those selected had been previously published only in a limited way, either as conference proceedings or contributions to various Festschriften, and as such he wanted to enable them to reach a wider readership than they had originally. He described this collection as his ‘dernières pensées’. The essays encompass a wide range of topics, from reflections upon the successes, failures and lessons learned from the UNESCO International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia in the 1960s, in which Bill was very much a leading figure and which he was uniquely positioned to critique, to discussions and criticisms of the theoretical framework of ‘New’ or ‘Processual Archaeology’ and its application of ‘scientific’ methods. Other papers included here are seminal works discussing the ideological concepts of typology and classification and their practical application to archaeological excavations, notably his own major excavations conducted at the large Nubian cityscapes of Meinarti, Kulubnarti and Qasr Ibrim, and the ceramic kilns at Faras.

The Uşaklı Höyük Survey Project (2008-2012)

This book presents the results of the survey conducted by the University of Florence, in the years 2008-2012, at the site and in the surrounding territory of Uşaklı Höyük on the central Anatolian plateau in Turkey. Geological, geomorphological, topographic and geophysical research have provided new information and data relating to the environment and the settlement landscape, as well as producing new maps of the area and indicating the presence of large buried buildings on the site. Analysis of the rich corpus of pottery collected from the surface indicates that the site and its territory were continuously settled from the late Early Bronze Age through the Iron Age and down to the Late Roman and Byzantine periods. A few fragments of cuneiform tablets with Hittite texts, a sealing with two impressions of a stamp seal, and pottery stamps illustrate the importance of Uşaklı Höyük and support the hypothesis of its identification with the town of Zippalanda, known from the Hittite sources as a seat of the cult of the Storm God