Abstract
Typological systems are used in many disciplines as a way to sort, categorize, and interpret data. In archaeology, they are commonly used to identify ceramic assemblages, lithic material, ritual remains, and more. This study focuses on the use of typologies for identifying ritual material in the archaeological record. In particular, it explores the use of the problematical deposit as a miscellaneous category for ritual material that falls outside of the imagined boundaries for the limited range of other established types. The problematical deposit was a term first coined in the early years of excavation at Tikal to serve as a temporary “catch all” type to categorize material that was not immediately identifiable in the field. Presently, this category is used by archaeologists, though some have performed more in-depth analysis to further interpret such deposits. This study provides a comparative analysis of three problematical deposits, and of three caches, then explores how the similarities and differences within these selections compare to one another to draw conclusions regarding the validity of typologies as grouping with interpretive bases.
Advisor
Navarro-Farr, Olivia C.
Department
Archaeology
Recommended Citation
Bauer, Hannah Elizabeth, "The Problem with the Problematical: An Investigation and Critique of Typological Categories in Maya Archaeology" (2019). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 8318.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/8318
Keywords
typologies, categories, ritual, Maya, archaeology, theory, theoretical, typological
Publication Date
2019
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2019 Hannah Elizabeth Bauer