Burrows and bedding : site taphonomy and spatial archeaology at Tortoise cave
Master Thesis
1984
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Excavations at the Late Stone Age site of Tortoise Cave, a shell midden accumulation in the
Western Cape, South Africa, were carried out from 1978 to 1983. The author supervised this
project from 1981 onwards with the aim of expanding the cultural sample and defining more
clearly the stratigraphic sequence, at the same time, to increase the objectivity of the written
record, some improvements to the normal recording techniques were tested. These included the use
of context sheets and a stratigraphic matrix. Methods often used elsewhere but very common in
South Africa, It was felt that archaeologists had been ignoring the vital difference between
stratigraphy that is observed and excavated and the actual sequence and circumstances of
deposition. For this latter, the term 'Site Taphonomy' has been coined, to end the confusion
that has existed concerning the meaning and correct application of the words 'Stratigraphy' and
'Stratification'. These terms should now be restricted to refer to the archaeological constructs
alone, The amount of disturbance at the site led to an investigation of the processes and
effects of disturbance, the implications of which are outlined here, It is thought that Tortoise
Cave is not an isolated case and that considerable artefact displacement may be a common feature
of local sites. Despite this, an attempt was made to find and use appropriate statistical
methods of spatial analysis, It was found that some positive results, if somewhat generalised,
could be obtained. The major theme of the thesis is, however, neither a description of the finds
and findings from the site not simply a spatial analysis of the deposits and their contents. It
attempts instead to illustrate how the understanding of the central concept of site taphonomy is
essential to every aspect of the interpretation of a site and the assessment of the results.
Description
Bibliography: pages 76-80.
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Reference:
Robey, T. 1984. Burrows and bedding : site taphonomy and spatial archeaology at Tortoise cave. University of Cape Town.