USE OF SPACE AND PATTERNS OF REFUSE DISPOSAL AT THE VILLAGE SITE OF MURCIELAGO, COSTA RICA (REFUSE PITS, SPATIAL ANALYSIS, ETHNOHISTORY).

Abstract

Theoretical and methodological issues of disposal behavior are examined at the village site of Murcielago. Ethnoarchaeological, archaeological, and modern material culture studies of discard practices are discussed. The generalizations and conclusions contained therein are incorporated into a synthesis of the emerging body of disposal theory. The method used for the analysis of Murcielago, which is drawn from traditional geographic models of land use, is described. The model allows description of the conventions governing the regulation of space and the delineation of disposal patterns. Analysis of artifact distributions illuminated the organization of household activities and the definition of activity differences.