Archaeology Dating with Seriation

Archaeologists piece together the past using various dating methods, much like detectives reconstructing a crime scene. These methods fall into two main categories: absolute dating, which provides a precise age (like a timestamp on an ancient manuscript), and relative dating, which establishes the sequence of events without assigning specific years. Today, we’ll explore one of the most intriguing relative dating techniques, seriation, a method that allows archaeologists to track cultural trends over time.

Seriation: Archaeology Trendspotting

Seriation: Scientific Dating Before Radiocarbon. ThoughtCo, www.thoughtco.com/seriation-scientific-dating-before-radiocarbon-170607. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Seriation functions as an early form of trend analysis. This method organizes artifacts into chronological sequences based on changes in design or shifts in popularity over time. There are two primary types:

• Stylistic seriation, which maps out how artifact designs evolve.

• Frequency seriation, which examines how often certain artifacts appear in excavation layers.

By arranging artifacts like puzzle pieces, archaeologists reveal cultural shifts and behavioral patterns, offering insights into societies of the past.

The Value of Seriation in Archaeology

Petrie’s ‘seriation’ of the ceramics found at Diospolis Parva: a major development in the classification of ancient Egyptian pottery. Image: W M F Petrie (1901) Diospolis Parva, the cemeteries of Abadiyeh and Hu, 1898-9, frontispiece. Courtesy of the Egypt Exploration Society

Seriation is a crucial dating technique that allows researchers to:

• Identify cultural transitions through stylistic shifts in artifacts.

• Establish relative timelines for archaeological sites.

• Gain insights into trade networks and societal interactions based on artifact distribution.

One of the earliest and most influential applications of seriation was pioneered by Flinders Petrie, who used this method to classify Egyptian pottery and establish chronological sequences for burial sites.

Application of Seriation: The Pecos Classification in the American Southwest

The excavation work at Pecos used the stratigraphic method to examine ceramic sherds and determine the chronology of prehistoric events at the Pueblo and throughout the Southwest. Laboratory of Anthropology Photo

One of the most famous uses of seriation occurred in the American Southwest. Archaeologist Alfred V. Kidder developed the Pecos Classification, analyzing pottery styles to create a timeline of Puebloan culture. By examining ceramic design patterns, shapes, and tempering techniques, archaeologists could date layers of occupation at Pecos Pueblo and broader regional sites.

Pecos Artifacts Dated Using Seriation

Comparison of temporal frameworks for the northern Rio Grande region with the Pecos survey chronology and component frequencies. https://npshistory.com/series/archeology/icrc/66/images/fig4-1.jpg

Three major artifact types were dated at Pecos Pueblo using seriation:

1. Black-on-White Pottery (AD 800-1100)

   • Characterized by intricate geometric designs painted on a white background.

   • Indicates early Puebloan settlement and pottery craftsmanship.

2. Glaze-Ware Ceramics (AD 1300-1600)

   • Featured colorful glazes, likely introduced through trade.

   • Reflects increased social complexity and long-distance interactions.

3. Corrugated Ware (AD 900-1300)

   • Pottery with textured, coiled surfaces instead of smooth finishes.

   • Suggests functional adaptations in cooking and storage techniques. (Kidder)

   
   

Human Behavior Reflected in Seriation Analysis

The artifacts from Pecos Pueblo provide insights into human behavior and cultural development:

• Technological Advancements: The transition from simple Black-on-White pottery to elaborate Glaze-Ware reflects evolving ceramic techniques and artistic expression.

• Trade and Exchange: The introduction of new pottery styles suggests the Puebloans engaged in extensive trade with neighboring communities.

• Cultural and Social Changes: Variations in pottery styles indicate transformations in religious practices, social structures, and daily life.

Conclusion

Seriation remains a powerful tool in archaeology, allowing researchers to reconstruct timelines and understand cultural evolution. The case of Pecos Pueblo illustrates how stylistic changes in pottery can reveal deeper stories of technological progress, trade interactions, and human adaptability. By carefully analyzing artifact sequences, archaeologists continue to unlock the secrets of ancient societies.

Sources

• Kidder, Alfred V. An Introduction to the Study of Southwestern Archaeology, With a Preliminary Account of the Excavations at Pecos. Yale University Press, 1924.

• "Pecos Classification." Cambridge University Press, www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-antiquity/article/pecos-classification. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

• "Seriation (Archaeology)." Encyclopædia Britannica, www.britannica.com/science/seriation-archaeology. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

• "Stratigraphy in Archaeology." Archaeology Magazine, www.archaeology.org/issues/stratigraphy. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

• "Dating Techniques in Archaeology." Archaeology Magazine, www.archaeology.org/issues/seriation. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.