CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

Case Study Analysis

Case Study Analysis

Introduction

The topic under study is compare and contrast of two case studies that illustrate the Effects of Natural Site Formation Processes on the Interpretation of Archaeological Data. It includes close analysis of the two case studies and specific details about them. Details include primary data such as tables and figures to explain specific points. The two case studies that are uses for this paper are; “Dimensional analysis of behavior & site structure: learning from an Eskimo hunting stand” and, “Where the garbage goes: refuse disposal in the Maya highlands”.

Close Analysis of the two Case Studies

Dimensional analysis of behavior & site structure: learning from an Eskimo hunting stand

This case study describes the relationship between characteristic behaviors observed on hunting stands and the structured consequences of these behaviors in the archaeological record. It is within the domain of "ethno archaeology" in that it describes observations believed to be of interest to archaeologists but experienced in the context of an ongoing living system. All of the observations to be reported were made between 1969 and 1973 during ethnographic work among the Nunamiut Eskimo of north central Alaska. Much of the material resulting from this work has been previously described (Binford 1976, 1978; Binford and Chasko 1976; Binford and Bertram 1977). The case represents the first of a series that specifically treat the formation processes and resulting character of the internal site structure for a number of different types of Eskimo site.

Hunting stands are a type of site commonly produced by the Nunamiut. They are locations where men congregate to watch for game and to plan hunting strategies after game is sighted. They are an integral part of an "intercept" hunting strategy as opposed to an "encounter" strategy. In intercept hunting one employs knowledge of the factors that condition animal behavior to "predict" where animals will be, given the conditions of the moment such as weather, seasons of the year, etc. One positions himself to be able to monitor the surrounding area where game is anticipated. These "stations" from which an area is monitored are hunting stands. They are commonly occupied only by male hunters or hunters and young men. They are rarely occupied overnight, and when they are, there is a continuous monitoring of the area rather than a change of tempo within the site when everyone goes to bed. Sleeping facilities on such locations are always expedient and individual (Blankholm, 1991, p. 121).

The case study; dimensional analysis of behavior and site structure: learning from an Eskimo hunting stand refers to behavioral observation which was done to analyze the formation of processes that are operative on the mask site on the hunting stands. There were different behavioral dimensions ranging from activity structure, technological organization, disposal mode and spatial organization.

In the case of many Eskimo hunting stands, there is no obvious relationship between what is in the site and the "reasons for its occupancy" and hence the "reasons for its ...