Data analysis in anthracology : Challenges and prospects
Résumé
This paper seeks to provide new insights into issues relating to data analysis and quantification in anthracology as applied to the remains of wood fuel waste found in archaeological sites. Following on from over four decades of research and debate into the quantification potential of anthracological remains, we revisit fuel waste discard patterns and taphonomic considerations based on observations from archaeological case studies. Our aim is to provide a review of the methodological considerations pertinent to the field sampling, laboratory analysis and quantitative analysis of anthracological remains. Finally, we examine some new avenues for data analysis in anthracology, including multivariate analyses, with the aim to stimulate future debate on this issue.