|
Comparative Archaeology Database, University of Pittsburgh
|
|
El Dornajo Community Dataset |
The data files DIAGNOSTICS.TXT and DIAGNOSTICS.XLS contain more precise information about the measurements and decorations of diagnostic sherds recoverd through surface collections and excavations at El Dornajo. DIAGNOSTICS.TXT is a comma delimited ASCII text file, DIAGNOSTICS.XLS contains the same data in the form of an Excel spreadsheet. Each line in the comma delimited file represents one sherd. There are 2606 lines, each with 14 variables separated by commas. The variables are, in the following order:
| 1 | Unit: A 1 x 1 m test pit or a 2 m diameter surface collection; see maps on pages 41 and 42 of the dissertation. |
| 2 | Stratum: A natural or cultural layer distinguishable from others by its soil characteristics. A code of “surface" identifies a surface collection. |
| 3 | Level: Arbitrary levels within stata of 10 cm (or less when a stratum change was encountered). A code of "na" indicates either that the unit was a surface collection or that the strata in the unit were not excavated in levels. |
| 4 | A description and/or number of any feature that is contained in or associated with this unit. A code of "na" means no feature was associated with the unit. |
| 5 | Texture: Fine temper is barely visible without a hand lens. Course temper is larger than .2 mm but smaller than 2 mm. Very course temper is larger than 2mm. A code of “na” means that texture was not recorded. |
| 6 | Firing code: 1. oxidized, no organics 2. oxidized, organics possible 3-4. oxidized, organics originally present 5-6. reduced, no organics 7. reduced, organics originally present 8. reduced, organics possible 9-10. reduced, cooled rapidly in air 11. reduced, cooled rapidly in air, reduced again, then cooled again |
| 7 | The thickness (mm) of each sherd measured at median thickness point based on visual assessment. |
| 8 | Vessel form. Jars are defined as having a restricted orifice and a neck more than 3 cm in height. Ollas are defined as having a restricted orifice and a neck of less than 3 cm in height. Bowls are defined as having an unrestricted orifice and a curved bottom. Plates are defined as having an unrestricted orifice, shallow depth, and a flat bottom. Strainers are sherds with more than 1 small hole punched in them. A code of “na” means that vessel form could not be determined. |
| 9 | Rim variety: folded, flaired, piecrust, straight, and inflected (see figure 8.1 in the dissertation for an illustration of these varieties). A code of “na” means that the sherd was not a rim so this variable is not applicable. |
| 10 | Rim Diameter (cm). A code of “na” means that rim diameter was not recorded because the sherd was not a rim. |
| 11 | Neck height (mm). A code of “na” means that neck height was not recorded because the sherd was not a neck fragment. |
| 12 | Presence or absence of a slip on the sherd. When a slip is present the color is identified. A code of “na” means that no slip was observed. |
| 13 | The location of slip, interior, exterior or both sides of the sherd. A code of “na” means that no slip was observed. |
| 14 | Primary Decoration: This variable identifies the most predominant decoration technique on the sherd which might be painted, incised, appliquéd, stamped, burnished, or mold-made designs. A code of “no” means that no decoration was identified on the sherd. A code of “na” means that decoration was not recorded which is only true for strainers. |
The first line of the ASCII text file, for example, is:
26,B,1,na,fine,7,16,plate,na,36,29,no,na,no
This means that the diagnostic sherd from Unit 26, Stratum B, Level 1. There is no feature associated with this diagnostic sherd. The texture is fine and the firing code is 7 (reduced, organics originally present). It is 16 mm thick. It is a plate but the rim type is not available. The rim diameter is 36 cm with a neck height of 29 mm. It has no slip, there is no side designation noted, and there is no primary decoration present.
The last, or 2606th, line of the ASCII text file is:
47,E,1,na,na,,,strainer,na,,,na,na,na
This means that the diagnostic sherd comes from Unit 47, Stratum E, Level 1. There is no feature associated with this diagnostic sherd. The texture is not available and no firing code is indicated. Its thickness is not available. It is a strainer with no rim type specified. No other measurements or decoration types are specified.
Click here to download the file DIAGNOSTICS.TXT (129 KB) or the file DIAGNOSTICS.XLS (514 KB).