Gathering Primary Data

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Archaeofaunal specimens offer unique opportunities for biological and anthropological inquiry, providing insights into the relationship between humans and their environments obtainable in no other way. However, first- and second-order changes alter the image of former lives available from faunal remains. Because some second-order changes develop during the process of gathering and analyzing data, thoughtful application of appropriate methods is important. A zooarchaeological study consists of three parts: (1) identification, (2) analysis, and (3) interpretation. Some of the methods used for identification are introduced in this chapter and are followed by analysis (Chapter 7), and interpretation (Chapters 8, 9, and 10). Important aspects of collection management, publication, and curation follow these chapters (see Appendix 3). Clason's (1972) definitions of primary and secondary data distinguish between identification and analysis. The identification stage can be equated with collecting primary data and the analytical stage with deriving secondary data. Primary data are observations that can be replicated by subsequent investigators, such as element representation and taxonomic identification (e.g., Daly 1969; Lawrence 1973; Schmid 1972). Secondary data include age classes, sex ratios, relative frequencies of taxa, butchering patterns, dietary contributions, and procurement strategies. They are derived from primary data by means of indices and other quantification techniques. Primary data may be viewed as more descriptive and objective than secondary data and subject to less interpretive latitude. Using Lyman's (1994a) terminology, primary data are based on observational units or empirical manifestations and secondary data are analytical products.