Plainware and Polychrome: Quantifying Perceptual Differences in Ceramic Classification Between Diverse Groups to Further a Strong Objectivity

Journal of Computer Applications in Archaeology, vol. 3, pp. 135–150

Abstract

A common problem when classifying archaeological objects is a potential cultural bias of the person deciding on the classification system. These are existing concerns within archaeology and anthropology and have previously been discussed as an emic/etic divide, “folk” classifications, or objective versus subjective approaches. But who gets to decide what is objective is often a subjective endeavour. To examine if and how cultural perceptions bias classification systems, we use methods from the field of cultural domain analysis to quantify differences in perception of ceramic sherds between different groups of people, specifically archaeologists and Indigenous and non-Indigenous potters. For this study, we asked participants to arrange a set of 30 archaeological sherds on a canvas, then interviewed them following each sorting exercise. A geosocial analysis of the arrangements in this pilot study suggests that there are substantial differences in the criteria by which the sherds are sorted between the groups. In particular, the arrangements by the Indigenous potters showed a greater diversity in the selection of underlying attributes. Understanding our different perceptions towards the material we use to construct history is the first step towards approaching a strong objectivity and thus a less fraught and more culturally inclusive discipline.

Authors 6

1. Lewis Borck corresponding

   New Mexico Highlands University · University of Missouri

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Missouri Research Reactor; New Mexico Highlands University

   New Mexico Highlands University

   University of Missouri Research Reactor

2. Jan Christoph Athenstädt

   University of Konstanz

   Affiliation as printed

   Universität Konstanz, DE; Traditional Potter, Laguna Pueblo

   Traditional Potter, Laguna Pueblo

   Universität Konstanz, DE

3. Lee Ann Cheromiah
   Affiliation as printed

   Traditional Potter, Laguna Pueblo

4. Leslie Aragon

   Archaeology Southwest

   Affiliation as printed

   Archaeology Southwest

5. Ulrik Brandes

   ETH Zurich

   Affiliation as printed

   ETH Zürich

6. Corinne L. Hofman Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University