Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (167 page)

 
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1
A generic term for the smallest identifiable stratigraphic unit recognized in an excavation. Contexts may be
positive
in the sense of an accumulation or deposit of some kind, or
negative
where they represent a cut or the removal of something. In single-context excavation all finds, samples, and records are directly linked to the contexts identified during the excavation process.
2
The position of an archaeological find in time and space, established by measuring and assessing its associations, matrix, and provenance. The assessment includes the study of what has happened to the find since it was buried in the ground.
3
The physical and cultural circumstances surrounding the deposition of archaeological material and the formation of archaeological deposits.

 
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A form widely used in single-context excavations for recording and describing each recognized stratigraphic unit.

 
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An approach to archaeological interpretation proposed by Ian Hodder in the mid 1980s in which emphasis is placed on methods of identifying and studying contexts in order to understand meaning. This involves two lines of enquiry. The first is to consider the environmental and behaviour context of action; understanding an object, for example, by placing it in relation to the larger functioning whole from which it is drawn. Second, it involves looking at the networks of associations that objects were placed within in the past and attempting to read meaning from such groupings as if the objects were words in text. The analogy here is that words on their own mean relatively little; it is only when they are put together in structured ways that the overall meaning becomes clear.

 
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A
HILLFORT
that is constructed in such a way that its ramparts precisely follow the natural contours of the landform on which it is built.

 
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A legally binding agreement between two or more parties in which there is an acceptance by one party of an offer made by the other party, there is evidence that the acceptance is intentional, and there is some kind of consideration or benefit that one party must confer on the other in return for the benefit received. Archaeological work is increasingly regulated by contracts which variously take the form of ‘standard form contracts’ for regular and routine work; ‘design and execute contracts’ in which the contractor devises a programme of work, agrees it with the other parties, and then carries it out; and ‘fixed-price contracts’ where a contractor agrees to carry out an agreed piece of work for an agreed sum.

 
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