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What is the Ceramic Database?
Introduction
The ceramic database is an attempt to standardise many repeated tasks
encountered during the recording of archaeological and ceramic data in
an efficient framework. The program, called ‘APX: Archaeological
Context and Artefact Database’, created in Microsoft Access, is
a normalised relational database and can store over 100 descriptive variables
for a single pottery sherd. As much as possible these variables, for example,
rim type or handle shape, are chosen from drop-down lists to minimise
time-consuming data entry but the ability for recording free text in the
event of unusual or unique vessels has been retained.
The database has the advantage of recording pottery from many sites allowing
direct comparisons, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Manipulation
of quantitative data can produce tables for statistical analysis allowing
patterns of supply or use to emerge.
Structure
The database has a tiered structure consisting of site records at the
top level with context data attached to a site record and pottery data
attached to a specific context record. Records of contexts can be grouped
in many ways, including area, periods and phases, those for pottery can
be grouped into fine wares, coarse wares, amphorae and samian as well
as vessel type.
This structure allows analysis on a large or small scale with the inclusion
or exclusion of any aspect of the recorded data as required.
Screenshots from the database
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)