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Computerised Bone Templates as the Basis of a Practical Procedure
to Record and Analyse Graphical Zooarchaeological Data.
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Introduction and Background.
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Standardised bone templates for the recording of graphical zooarchaeological
data, together with computer applications, are generally recognised as useful
for the handling of zooarchaeological data and are regularly mooted as a
way forward. However, like all computer applications, there is often a
significant requirement for the planning and development of a system or
application which is difficult to justify for a single project or small
organisation with limited resources. A level of computer application currently
takes place but this is generally for recording and handling basic data,
often in personal systems or such as the York system
(Harland et al. 2002) which is
an example of a database that is available for such use. Computerised recording
of graphical information, such as fragmentation or surface modifications,
is not generally practised when recording zooarchaeological data. Popkin
(2005) has established a series of
standardised line templates which, although held in a digital format, are
essentially for printing and use as a paper-based recording system. Marean
et al. (2001) and Abe et al.
(2002) did pioneer a truly computer
based system for the recording and analysis of fragments and butchery marks.
This system, linked to a database, allowed computerised recording of fragments
and butchery marks and incorporated the analysis of fragmentation to establish
a MNI (Minimum Number of Individuals) and butchery mark distribution. However
the system, based in ArcView (ESRI 2005)
mapping software, could be viewed as expensive and complicated to implement.
Additionally the application was developed in an early version of ArcView
(3.3) using the programming script ("Avenue") for its routines and it has
now been superseded by the later versions of the ArcView software.
Based on ideas established in my undergraduate dissertation which specifically
examined the application of the Marean et al. and Abe et al.
systems (Abe et al. 2002;
Abe & Marean ud.;
Marean et al. 2001) this presentation
presents a simple, practical procedure for creating standardised graphical
templates together with their complementary line templates utilising a widely
used graphics software package which advances the handling of zooarchaeological
data significantly and forms the basis of a practical graphical recording
system for researchers and those who handle and analyse this type of material.
However, as with any computerised application, a written description can
only introduce the application and true evaluation is only achievable by
direct examination. Therefore copies of a selection of the templates are
available from the author for persons who are interested in the approach.
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