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Archaeological Context and Systemic Context

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Michael B. Schiffer
Michael B. Schiffer*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona
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Abstract

The cultural aspect of the processes responsible for forming the archaeological record is argued to be an underdeveloped branch of archaeological theory. A flow model is presented by which to view the "life history" or processes of systemic context of any material element. This model accounts for the production of a substantial portion of the archaeological record. The basic processes of this model are: procurement, manufacture, use, maintenance, and discard. Refuse labels the state of an element in archaeological context. The spatial implications of the model suggest a largely untapped source of behavioral information. Differential refuse disposal patterns are examined as they affect artifact location and association. The meaning of element relative frequencies in refuse is discussed.

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Type
Articles
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 37 , Issue 2 , April 1972 , pp. 156 - 165
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 1972

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