An Insight Into the Scientific Datasets in Archaeological Research Through the Pottery Provenance Case

Abstract

Recent trends in archaeological research dictate the incorporation of various analytical methods for dating, chemical/mineralogical characterization, morphological description, etc. of various excavation findings and landscapes to support and corroborate the archaeologists' observations. Each method, when used individually, provides a different feedback, but once single studies are combined, the information produced can significantly contribute to the solution of the archaeological puzzle. Thus, numerous scientific data and metadata are produced creating large and complex scientific datasets. The use of common terminology and definitions to describe these data along with the establishment of a formal standardized structure that any cultural heritage information could be mapped to would assure the credibility and durability of such scientific datasets. The present work provides an overview of the types and formats of the scientific data and metadata produced in the archaeological research through the detailed presentation of the common practices used in pottery provenance studies.