ANT-2100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Stratigraphic Column, Walkman, Absolute Dating
Document Summary
Relative dates- expressed in relationship to one another, older than a but newer than b. Before 1954 there was no absolute dating system. What is on the bottom is older if there is no disturbance. By william smith in early 19th century. Strata (levels of dirt) are similar age if fossils are all the same. Example, fossil found in europe and america that are same are from same period. Example, clovis points (on spearheads) flutes are very unique; only occurred in a very specific time in the americas (600 years it was common then died out) Assumes one cultural style slowly replaces an earlier style over time. Changes in frequency of artifacts or styles. Example, walkman with am/fm in the 80s and walkman cd players was in the 90s so if am/fm walkman was found dates the site. Nelson used seriation at pueblo san cristobal. Was able to look at change of time by style changes.
