A Computer Coding System for Archaeological Faunal Remains

Abstract
Archaeologists dealing with large faunal samples have all faced the problem of recording and retrieving masses of data regarding animal bones. This paper presents a comprehensive computer coding system for all vertebrate skeletal parts. The system utilizes alphabetic abbreviations that can be automatically translated into a fully hierarchic numerical code. The format is readily learned and can be used in conjunction with standard canned computer programs available at many institutions.