Papers by Nicholas P Ames
The archaeological site of Dhiban, Jordan is characterized by a complex legacy of colonial domina... more The archaeological site of Dhiban, Jordan is characterized by a complex legacy of colonial dominance by foreign empires, with occupation ranging from the Late Bronze Age (1500-1200 BCE) into the present. This turbulent history is reflected in its archaeological record, necessitating a much greater detailed system of analysis than ‘standard’ analytical practices for unraveling site use. Using archaeological data excavated from Dhiban's Middle Islamic occupation (1000-1450 CE), this paper introduces the initial steps of a larger project assessing the cost-benefits of conducting a more detailed analysis of excavated site material against the more ‘standard’ processes of analysis. The introduced methods focus on a ‘micro-debris’ analysis, using items
ranging between <4 mm and 1 mm in size, to be used in conjunction with the more standard ‘heavy fraction’ analysis of items >4 mm in size for site interpretation. Although this paper provides only preliminary data and a speculative interpretation designed only to demonstrate the use of these methods, it appears that ‘micro-debris’ does not simply reflect the types and quantities of artifacts appearing in the ‘heavy-fraction’ materials, but rather represents different types of site activities then those found in ‘standard’ analyzed samples. The larger project works to expand on the pilot study introduced in this paper and to construct a solid narrative on greater social and economic trends, including the impact of state actions on local communities throughout this tumultuous, arid region, providing a much more comprehensive understanding of the daily lives of the people of Jordan’s past.
Posters by Nicholas P Ames
In this poster, we present heavy fraction data from a barrel-vaulted room from the archaeological... more In this poster, we present heavy fraction data from a barrel-vaulted room from the archaeological site of Dhiban, Jordan, dating to the Middle Islamic period (12th - 15th centuries CE). We argue for the analysis of material residues smaller than four millimeters (“microdebris”) deriving from flotation samples collected in the course of archaeological excavation. Relatively little is known about daily life during the Middle Islamic period outside of written sources. High-resolution investigation of both large and small residues facilitates the identification of past cultural activities in this context. Our analysis reveals that smaller residue sizes often provide information distinct from larger residue sizes, especially in the ubiquity or presence of different materials. Ceramics are abundant in larger fraction sizes, yet they are relatively infrequent in smaller residue sizes, probably due to depositional practices. Remains of marine vertebrates and invertebrates that provide evidence of long-distance trade and water-resource use are rarely found in larger residue sizes, but are present even in the smallest remains. Our research suggests that the analysis of microdebris is a valuable source of data that supplements the interpretation of past cultural practices.
Conference Presentations by Nicholas P Ames
This paper presents heavy fraction data from the archaeological site of Dhiban, Jordan, dating to... more This paper presents heavy fraction data from the archaeological site of Dhiban, Jordan, dating to the Middle Islamic period of occupation (late 12th to late 15th centuries CE). Based on a comparative study between larger heavy fraction materials and microartifacts I argue for the importance of smaller material residues in interpreting specific use-space as well as understanding Dhiban in relation to larger regional trends. Using a systematic flotation sampling strategy that recorded volume and provenience, the material was collected from a barrel-vaulted room enclosing a “domestic” space that encompassed a series of successive layered floors. Analysis of the material revealed that smaller residue sizes often do not correlate with larger residue sizes in either abundance or presence of different materials. Ceramics are abundant in larger fraction sizes but relatively infrequently in smaller sizes. Faunal remains of marine vertebrates and invertebrates that provide evidence for long-distance trade and water-resource use are rarely found in larger fraction sizes yet are ubiquitous in even the smallest fraction sizes. This research suggests that smaller fraction sizes are valuable sources of data to supplement archaeological interpretation concerning the material life- ways of past inhabitants.
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Papers by Nicholas P Ames
ranging between <4 mm and 1 mm in size, to be used in conjunction with the more standard ‘heavy fraction’ analysis of items >4 mm in size for site interpretation. Although this paper provides only preliminary data and a speculative interpretation designed only to demonstrate the use of these methods, it appears that ‘micro-debris’ does not simply reflect the types and quantities of artifacts appearing in the ‘heavy-fraction’ materials, but rather represents different types of site activities then those found in ‘standard’ analyzed samples. The larger project works to expand on the pilot study introduced in this paper and to construct a solid narrative on greater social and economic trends, including the impact of state actions on local communities throughout this tumultuous, arid region, providing a much more comprehensive understanding of the daily lives of the people of Jordan’s past.
Posters by Nicholas P Ames
Conference Presentations by Nicholas P Ames
ranging between <4 mm and 1 mm in size, to be used in conjunction with the more standard ‘heavy fraction’ analysis of items >4 mm in size for site interpretation. Although this paper provides only preliminary data and a speculative interpretation designed only to demonstrate the use of these methods, it appears that ‘micro-debris’ does not simply reflect the types and quantities of artifacts appearing in the ‘heavy-fraction’ materials, but rather represents different types of site activities then those found in ‘standard’ analyzed samples. The larger project works to expand on the pilot study introduced in this paper and to construct a solid narrative on greater social and economic trends, including the impact of state actions on local communities throughout this tumultuous, arid region, providing a much more comprehensive understanding of the daily lives of the people of Jordan’s past.