Seriationstechnieken

Seriationstechnieken, also known as stratigraphic techniques, are methods used in archaeology and geology to arrange artifacts, features, or layers of soil in a chronological sequence. These techniques are essential for understanding the temporal relationships between different elements of a site and for reconstructing past human activities or environmental changes. The primary goal of seriation is to establish a relative chronology, which can then be used to date artifacts and features more precisely.

One of the most common seriation techniques is typological seriation, which involves grouping artifacts into types based on their similarities and then arranging these types in a sequence. This method relies on the assumption that changes in artifact styles or forms over time can be used to infer chronological order. Another technique is context seriation, which involves arranging artifacts based on their spatial distribution within a site. This method assumes that artifacts found in lower layers are older than those found in higher layers, a principle known as the law of superposition.

Seriation techniques are particularly useful in situations where absolute dating methods, such as radiocarbon dating, are not feasible. They can also be applied to a wide range of materials, including pottery, stone tools, and animal bones. However, the accuracy of seriation depends on the assumptions made about the continuity of cultural or environmental change over time. Therefore, it is often used in conjunction with other dating methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a site's chronology.