Dolores Archaeological Program Technical Reports, DAP-017: 1978 Additive Analysis Report

Analysis of Dolores Cultural Resources Mitigation Program ceramic collections from excavations of prehistoric sites was undertaken beginning in October 1978. An inventory analysis was designed to: (1) approach specific questions of the Research Design; (2) provide an inventory of those materials in relation to taxonomic and provenience systems; and (3) establish a data base for the selection of materials for intensive analyses. A coding system was developed to place the data into a machine readable format for ease of handling and manipulation of large collections.

A tripartite hierarchy of analysis was instituted with the initial focus being the inventory analysis as outlined above. Intermediate or supportive activities include the construction of a type collection and of a reference file, and the selection of specific materials for thin-section verification of temper types. A program of reconstructing ceramic items from floor proveniences was also instituted. Advanced analyses have been formulated but await the completion of other inventory analyses prior to their initiation. These analyses are concerned with the characteristics of ceramic assemblages by the use of decorative and technological
attributes.