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A UNIVAC Analysis of Sherd Frequencies from the Carter Ranch Pueblo, Eastern Arizona

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

J. A. Brown  and
L. G. Freeman Jr.
J. A. Brown
Affiliation:
University of Chicago, Chicago Natural History Museum, Chicago, Illinois
L. G. Freeman Jr.
Affiliation:
University of Chicago, Chicago Natural History Museum, Chicago, Illinois
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Abstract

Three factors contribute to differences between archaeological samples: sampling error and functional and temporal differences between the parent populations from which the samples are drawn. Many archaeologists have explained such differences as due only to temporal variations between the parent populations, thereby ignoring sampling error and relegating functional specificity to a minor role.

A statistical analysis of potsherd frequencies in samples made by the Chicago Natural History Museum from an eastern Arizona pueblo, the Carter Ranch site, was undertaken using UNIVAC. By taking into account sampling error, differences between parent populations appeared that could most logically be attributed to functional differences. From the calculations, four possible functional constellations of pottery types were discovered, four types of rooms were isolated, a probable ceremonial complex of five pottery types was established, and differential areal disposal of sherds was found. It was impossible to demonstrate temporal differences between provenience units on the basis of sherd frequencies. Any such differences played a minor part in contributing to sample variation as compared to functional differences between provenience units.

Type
Research Article
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 30 , Issue 2Part1 , October 1964 , pp. 162 - 167
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1964

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