The strength of parthood ties. Modelling spatial units and fragmented objects with the TSAR method — Topological Study of Archaeological Refitting

Refitting and conjoinable pieces have long been used in archaeology to assess the consistency of discrete spatial units, such as layers, evaluate disturbance post-depositional processes. The majority current methods, despite their differences, rely on count proportion refits within between units. Little attention is paid distribution topology relationships fragments, although this now known significant effects archaeological interpretation. This paper presents a new methodological approach for refitting studies. TSAR (Topological Study Archaeological Refitting) draws concepts methods from graph theory model network connections observed fragments. Measures cohesion admixture units are defined using structural properties sets relationships. To ensure reproducibility reusability, method implemented an R package, which also includes simulator generating fragments scattered two advantages topological discussed by comparing it to: (1) results survey archaeologists were asked rank examples stratigraphic admixture; (2) other computational methods. applied simulated data, empirical data Liang Abu rock shelter (East Borneo) presented. Finally, use simulation test different scenarios site formation processes demonstrated.