Relevant materials typically include data used for analysis, images, specialised computer programs or the source code of these algorithms, program recodes, and research protocols, as well as metadata files that detail what is included in datasets and how the manuscript’s results can be reproduced.
Original images that have been edited or processed for a journal article may also be provided in their original form. This step may be important when an image is processed to highlight a particular feature, as the original file allows readers to validate the image processing and interpretation of the results.
Sharing and preservation of materials
One of the pressing concerns in archaeology is data preservation. In support of this goal we strongly encourage all authors of articles that feature quantitative analysis or rely on the above materials to make them available through an appropriate repository. Authors should also ensure that they have checked and complied with any data-sharing requirements stipulated by their funding bodies or academic institutions.
In general, appropriate repositories are ones that provide persistent identifiers and have robust preservation policies, ensuring the long-term integrity of published research.
Repositories commonly used for archaeological materials include the Digital Archaeological Record (tDAR), the Archaeological Data Service, and PANGAEA.
Ancient Mesoamerica can also host data on the journal’s website as supplementary materials. Authors wishing to avail themselves of this facility should supply all files electronically when submitting through ScholarOne. Files published as supplementary materials alongside your article are considered a formal part of the academic record, and cannot be retracted or modified other than via our article correction processes.
Ethical considerations and confidential information
Published materials should not include sensitive information such as names or personally identifiable data. In some cases it may also not be appropriate to share exact geographic co-ordinates or other locally identifiable features, or to make research materials publicly available where ethical and cultural sensitivities must be considered.
We encourage authors to seek permission to share materials where appropriate. Depending on context, it may also be appropriate to share de-identified or aggregated data derived from sensitive materials. In all cases you should ensure you have complied with any regulations set by governments or other bodies responsible for materials or sites under analysis.
If you cannot make your research materials publicly available, please explain the reasons for this in your Data Availability Statement.
Please see our guidance about publishing ethics and Ancient Mesoamerica for more information.