Ref ID:	24691
Ref Type:	Book Section
Authors:	Stein, Julie K.
Title:	Organic matter in archaeological contexts
Date:	1992
Source:	Soils in archaeology: landscape evolution and human occupation
Place of Publication:	Washington
Publisher:	Smithsonian Institution Press
Abstract:	Stein considers the role played by organic matter in archaeological interpretations. Discussion of the sources of organic matter is provided with regard to two types of deposition: organic matter deposited as sedimentary particles and organic matter deposited as part of soil formation processes. Organic matter found in archaeological contexts can have come from a combination of soils and sediments. A concise and clear description is given with regard to the post-depositional processes involved in the decomposition of organic matter. Examples are provided to show how the analysis of organic matter can prove useful to archaeological investigations: 1) as a datable material 2) as an aid to landscape reconstruction and as an indicator of archaeological sites.
Date Created:	7/5/2001
Editors:	Holliday, Vance T.
Page Start:	193
Page End:	216