Geostatistical mapping of pottery variation: the northern lands of western Asia during the Middle Bronze Age

Sergio G. Russo

«Archeologia e Calcolatori» 2024, 35.2, 371-380; doi: 10.19282/ac.35.2.2024.39

Abstract

This paper challenges conventional mapping methods of Bronze Age ceramic variation in western Asian archaeology, which often oversimplify the complexity of cultural phenomena. Drawing on geostatistical techniques, we propose a novel approach that considers both similarities and differences in ceramic traits. By incorporating Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) and kriging interpolation techniques, our methodology aims to provide a nuanced representation of pottery distribution, moving beyond static cultural-historical mapping. We argue that this approach offers a more comprehensive understanding of archaeological landscapes by acknowledging the diversity of pottery variation. Through a case study utilising legacy pottery data – which will be published in the future according to the FAIR principles – we demonstrate the practical application and potential insights of our methodology, which seeks to advance archaeological methods and contribute to a richer interpretation of the past.

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