Archaeologia Islandica - 01.01.1998, Page 133

Archaeological Sediments and Site Formation at Hofstaðir, Mývatn, NE-Iceland
house (Area AB) and other structures
(D-l), with functional distinctions
evident in micromorphological prop-
erties. Four thin sections collected and
manufactured by Garðar Guðmunds-
son have begun to demonstrate the
distinctions that exist between floor
layers in the longhouse (samples
HOS92: Nos. 15, 16, 55 & 63).
Preliminary analysis of these sections
indicates a marked range in micro-
structural properties, which range
from platy to granular. The activity of
soil fauna, as evident from the excre-
ment visible in thin section, is also
distinctly different within the sections
so far observed, which indicates differ-
ences in the micro-environment of the
floor layers and thus possible distinc-
tions in function. Function may also
have changed over time, as marked
differences in microstratigraphy are
evident, including varying proportions
of fine charcoal.
Midden deposits: In the field, it was
observed that there was marked vari-
ation in the nature of the midden
deposits in Area G. Such differences
can be expected to reflect both vari-
ation in the materials deposited to
form the midden and post-deposi-
tional modification. Micromorpholog-
ical analysis of such differences will
assist in the reconstruction of environ-
mental resource exploitation patterns,
particularly in relation to soil, turf and
wood.
Turf walls: Turf wall remains allow
identification of variations in the ma-
terials and source of walling material.
Micromorphological relict properties
within the turf wall material will
permit identification of land surface
conditions immediately prior to the
stripping of turf for building
construction and possibly early land
management activity. Organization of
the turf wall will also assist in the
interpretation of construction
processes.
Conclusions
The range of cultural sediments at
Hofstaðir, together with the
chronological control offered by tephra
layers at the site, gives outstanding
opportunities for the detailed recon-
struction of site formation processes
through the application of thin section
micromorphology. Specific elements of
site formation that will be addressed
by thin section micromorphology
include the identification of local en-
vironmental conditions before, during
and after site formation; identification
and origin of organic and mineral
remains within midden deposits, to-
gether with the rate of accumulation;
the identification of floor layers and
the composition of these layers; the
source of materials used in wall con-
struction, together with the method of
construction. Data derived by this
approach will allow site formation
models to be developed, with inter-
pretation of these models based in part
on the wider landscape resource ex-
ploitation patterns developed from the
zooarchaeological evidence. Fuller
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