Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (524 page)

BOOK: Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology
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pectoral
[Ar].
A decorative and/or protective plate which covers the chest.
pedestal
[Co].
1
A free-standing raised plinth or bollard.
2
In pottery making it is a raised section in the bottom of a kiln chamber either to support a raised oven floor or (in single-chambered kilns) to aid the stacking of the pottery and the circulation of hot air around it.
pedestal beakers
[Ar].
Type of drinking cup with a distinct base section or foot forming an integral part of the lower body; some are Gallo-Belgic, others are locally made in Britain.
pedestalling
[De].
In excavation this involves leaving finds and excavated objects in situ on a column of soil until all the surrounding stratigraphic unit has been removed. Rarely used.
pediment
[Co].
A triangular-shaped recess located above the
ENTABLATURE
on the gable ends of classical temples and similar buildings. The recess is often filled with sculpture. See also
TYMPANUM
.
pedology
[Ge].
Study and analysis of soils, in particular their origins, development, character, and distribution.
pedoturbation
[De].
The disturbance of soils, and by implication any cultural material they contain, by physical, chemical, or biological agents. In the long term such disturbance will result in homogenization of the main elements of the
SOIL PROFILE
. See also
BIOTURBATION
.

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