Affiliation:
1. Sociology and Anthropology Department, State University of New York at Cortland
Abstract
Abstract
This chapter reviews the application of network analytical techniques to phenotypic data from human skeletal remains as part of biological distance (biodistance) research. Skeletal and dental traits are suitable for network analysis because, as proxies for genetic relatedness, they are relational data and the nodes in biodistance networks represent well-defined social actors (i.e. persons from archaeological contexts). Biodistance network research has been limited compared to archaeological applications of network analysis. In bioarchaeology, social network analysis has used ego-networks, subgroups, and components to identify regional-level biological kin networks among skeletal samples and evaluate an archaeological model of colonial organization. Although critical aspects of biodistance network research require further consideration, network techniques represent a powerful suite of analytical tools for biodistance research in bioarchaeology.