The utilization of the X² test in archaeology. Case study – the Neolithic necropolis of Iclod (Cluj County, Romania)

Raluca Kogalniceanu / Zoia Maxim

(Romania)

Purpose: We intend to use a statistical test (the X² test) on the data obtained in the course of excavations at the site of Iclod. This test will show us the degree in which different elements of the funerary practice are correlated among themselves and with the sex or the age of the deceased. The purpose of this enterprise is to show the benefits of the use of computer and statistics in the archaeological research.
Methodology / Approach: The first step is the creation of a database suited for the data belonging to the field of funerary archaeology. The second step is the extraction of different sets of data necessary for the analysis. The third step is the creation of graphics that are useful for the publication of the necropolis. The fourth step is the application of the X² test on the sets of data. The fifth step is the interpretation of the results, both in traditional manner and in modern manner (by the use of statistics). The last step is the publication of the research.
Results: When only traditional methods are used for the analysis of a cemetery, one obtains a certain type of results. When modern methods are used, the set of results can slightly differ from the one obtained by traditional methods. The final result of our research is the combination of the two methods in order to obtain a more complete analysis.

Keywords: necropolis, funerary practice, Neolithic, Romania, database, X² test