Conference Presentation Abstract & 1st Slide: Revisiting Old Excavations with an Archaeothanatological Approach — Benefits & Challenges

Presentation Abstract:

Archaeothanatology provides a set of principles and methods for rigorous data collection and analysis of human remains, mortuary contexts and associated taphonomic processes. However, the archaeothanatological approach can also be used, post-hoc, to explore field data such as photographs, written and graphic documentation, allowing the reconstruction ofpast excavation contexts. This option is crucial when dealing with incomplete documentation, lack of excavation reports, and the need to revisit old sites due to changes in the conceptualisation of the past.

This presentation focuses on such a case study: the burial site associated with the 3rd Order of Our Lady of Carmo, in Porto (Portugal). The site was excavated twice: first in 2006, for which no final archaeological report was produced, but the existing data includes photographs, written documents, and graphic documentation. However, the information is incomplete and inconsistent, with important details missing and others contradicting each other. Further, no detailed account of the methodology for recording human remains, mortuary practices, and post-depositional events exists. Currently, the second excavation is ongoing with a known field methodological approach, and a detailed excavation process and archaeothanatological data collection process.

In the present analysis archaeothanatological data is collected on available documentation from the first excavation, using data from the second excavation as a point of comparison. It aims to demonstrate how archaeothantological reexamination of excavation data can support, challenge and add nuance to previous interpretations, as well as adding new information. At the same time limitations and challenges of working with incomplete documentation will be explored and some suggestions on how to address limitations are introduced. This highlights the potential benefits of revisiting old excavation data using archaeothanatological methods, while also emphasising the importance of applying these methods during excavation for optimal data collection.

Presented at: 30th EAA Annual Meeting, 2024, as part of the Panel: # 1188 PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF ARCHAEOTHANATOLOGY: A CRITICAL DISCUSSION ON THE STATE OF THE DISCIPLINE.