IV.3 Management of the Documentation through Databases
p. 86-92
Texte intégral
Aims of the Use of Databases
1Analysis on collected ceramics during archaeological excavations aims at bringing forth numerous questions for research, including the production of pottery and its technology, its contextual and functional aspects as well as the dating thereof. An appropriate database and its management are essential for the organisation and analysis of the collected data. Thanks to advanced computer technologies and software, it is possible to create a database dedicated to the specific requirements of the material and scope of research questions. They also enable comparative studies and statistical analyses to be undertaken and permit the results to be shared via digital media. In other words, databases allow digitalising, organising, querying and analysing ceramic assemblages collected in different regions and periods.
Data Modelling
2The creation of a database for ceramics should be based strictly on the methodology adopted for an investigated material or site. Easily accessible depositories include FileMaker and Access included in the MS Office package. FileMaker is a data storage tool with the ability to add illustrations such as photos and drawings. The cards created for individual vessels can also be easily used to create catalogues. Access contributes to pottery studies by enabling researchers to conduct complex queries and statistical analyses, which can be published along with diagram charts. Consequently, these two depositories significantly improve data management.
Database Interface, Function and Results
3The interfaces and functions of the two aforementioned databases differ. The structure of FileMaker is based on related cards, which can be presented as forms, lists or tables. Access is presented in the form of datasheets. In both cases the properties of each value can be set manually and both check boxes and drop-down menus are available. The sample FileMaker database was constructed from the Main Card (see also section iii.4 and Ceramic description form), which contains basic information about the archaeological context of the find and the vessel itself such as its form, the technique of shaping employed, the state of preservation and dating. This chart also includes fields in which any pertaining information and notes can be added, as well as a preview of a subpage including photos and drawings (fig. 43, top). The Technical Card subpage contains detailed information relating to the fabric and dimensions of the vessel (fig. 43, bottom). The following subpages provide detailed descriptions of decorations and inscriptions, and inserted pottery photos and drawings (fig. 44). These cards permit the addition of more detailed data such as the decoration, where it is situated, the technique of execution and the character of motifs as well as that concerning any inscriptions found on the vessels. Any information can be added e.g. type of inscription, colour of the ink, transcription, and when it was placed on the vessel (before or after firing).
Figure 43. Sample view of pottery database in FileMaker

Figure 44. Flowchart detailing organization of the example of pottery database in FileMaker

4The interface of a database created in Access is based on tables containing information about the pottery in context, a register of all diagnostic vessels and those containing distinguished types of fabrics, vessels and decorations (fig. 46). It follows the methodology used for ceramics of the Funj period in Dongola in Sudan (Wodzińska, forthcoming). Table Pottery_BagForm includes all data obtained from a pottery bag containing a single archaeological context and is related to the first stage of pottery processing at the site such as general and categorised counting and weighing (fig. 46, top). Table Pottery is devoted to further processing of pottery finds and includes detailed information about each vessel, for instance the class, type, technique of manufacture, fabric, surface treatment and decoration (fig. 46, centre). The properties of fields are defined in the same way for all tables (fig. 46, bottom) which allows preparing simple and advanced queries within one several tables (fig. 45). The results are presented in a table form. All records can be sorted and filtered within criteria such as “equals”, “contains” or “begins with”. It is also possible to count percentage shares of groups of vessels by using formula in the process of creating queries. Access also includes a function permitting the creation of reports containing data presented in a table form that can be easily used in publication. Both tools function as a depository of data with possibilities of queries and analysis which can be transformed by computer specialists into digital media. Creating digital depositories requires cooperation and dialogue between ceramic and computer specialists so as to obtain the best result.
Figure 45. Flowchart detailing organization of the example of pottery database in Access

Figure 46. Sample view of pottery database in Access

Sharing Data
5Sharing databases has two functionalities depending on the data-entry level. If the data-entry is still on-going, people can use the share function to enter data simultaneously whether they are in the same place or situated in different distant places. If the data-entry has been performed and finished, databases can be shared, thus providing access to the data contained in the database.
6Ceramic data repositories can be shared locally or online during or following the data-entry level. Databases can be shared locally through a W-Lan network. Accordingly, anyone with access to the network can access the database. On the other hand, databases can be shared online through database servers (this is applicable for both FileMaker and MS Access). Additionally, databases can be shared and stored online on a dedicated website, using either a password access to the database or free access.
Discussion
7Management of the pottery documentation through databases allows digitalisation, storing and organisation of data collected during the pottery studies. It is a very useful tool for analysing and sharing results. Software, such as FileMaker, is equally very helpful when creating catalogues of finds which include illustrations. Access also provides reporting and querying functions which are essential in the process of exploration of obtained data. Consequently, management of the pottery database leads to collaborative research and makes on-line availability much easier.
The Levantine Ceramics Project
Every pot has numerous aspects—shape, fabric, decoration, distribution—and each can answer different questions. This makes pottery perfect for digital, data-based applications. The Levantine Ceramics Project (LCP; www.levantineceramics.org) is one such application: a free, open access project for ceramics produced anywhere in the greater Levant, meaning Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, and Turkey, from Neolithic times (ca. 5500 bc) until the end of the Ottoman era (ca. 1920 ad).
How does it work?
Anybody can consult the LCP; and anybody can register and submit information, whether newly studied or long published. The LCP includes information on ceramic wares and petro-fabrics, individual vessels and illustrations, petrographic analyses, and kilns/workshops. Contributors can edit their own entries at any time, keeping the LCP—and its users—fully up-to-date. Entries can be marked public, meaning fully visible to anybody who consults the site; restricted; or private (choices can be changed). Finally, all data is attributed to its contributor (s), to maintain intellectual property. Every page has a “get citation” button, which makes each entry a digital publication.
The Lcp and Ceramic Research
The LCP is also a research tool. One example: maps! From any display or browse page, click “View on map” to see other vessels of that shape, ware, or date, where kilns producing specific wares are, etc.
The LCP is also a partner for publications. Including LCP links in print or digital publications means that future readers can click directly to the LCP page, see updates, search for related data, etc. LCP links enhance a publication’s long-term utility.
Eventually the LCP will allow us to address questions for which pottery offers basic evidence. Examples: what is the relationship between an imperial economy and local prosperity? Are certain clay types used for certain production modes across long periods of time? Right now it is difficult to collect the data necessary to answer such queries. Together we can build a tool to help advance this field of research by enhancing the addition of data to the LCP’s storehouse.
As archaeologists, we are always in a mode of discovery: finding new sites, re-thinking earlier theories. The LCP supplies us with a way to remain up-to-date, to connect new data with older material, to share with and to learn from each other.
[A. Ber.]
Figure 47. Screenshot of the home page of the Levantine Ceramics Project

Auteurs
-
Katarzyna Danys
PhD, Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw, Poland.
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Mustafa Ahmad
PhD, Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Berlin, Germany.
Le texte seul est utilisable sous licence Creative Commons - Attribution - Partage dans les Mêmes Conditions 4.0 International - CC BY-SA 4.0. Les autres éléments (illustrations, fichiers annexes importés) sont « Tous droits réservés », sauf mention contraire.
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