Publication details

Unsupervised model-based clustering for typological classification of Middle Bronze Age flanged axes

Authors

WILCZEK Josef MONNA Fabrice GABILLOT Mareva NAVARRO Nicolas RUSCH Lucille CHATEAU Carmela

Year of publication 2015
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Arts

Citation
Web http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352409X1530050X
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2015.06.030
Field Archaeology, anthropology, ethnology
Keywords Archaeology; Typology; Bronze Age; Flanged axes; Morphometrics; Closed contour; Elliptic Fourier Analysis; Gaussian mixture modelling; Self-organizing maps
Attached files
Description The classification of Western European flanged axes dating to the Middle Bronze Age (1650–1350 BC) is very complex. Many types of axe have been identified, some of which have numerous variant forms. In the current French terminology, all axes are divided into two generic groups: namely "Atlantic" (Atlantique) and "Eastern" (Orientale). Each of these generic groups, however, is highly polymorphic, so that it is often very difficult for the operator to classify individual axes with absolute confidence and certainty. In order to overcome such problems, a new shape classification is proposed, using morphometric analysis (Elliptic Fourier Analysis) followed by unsupervised model-based clustering and discriminant analysis, both based on Gaussian mixture modelling. Together, these methods produce a clearer pattern, which is independently validated by the spatial distribution of the findings, and multinomial scan statistics. This approach is fast, reproducible, and operator-independent, allowing artefacts of unknown membership to be classified rapidly. The method is designed to be amendable by the introduction of new artefacts, in the light of future discoveries. This method can be adapted to suit many other archaeological artefacts, providing information about the material, social and cultural relations of ancient populations.
Related projects:

You are running an old browser version. We recommend updating your browser to its latest version.

More info