Assessing the intentionality of spatial organization. Cemetery of Župna Cerkev (Kranj, Slovenia) case study

Abstract

This article is focused on highlighting the importance of assessing spatial patterns in archaeological analyses of cemeteries through a statistically driven approach. It is based on the combination of Ripley’s K-Function and selected geostatistical tools that take into consideration the values of global and local autocorrelation. Their feasibility in funerary contexts is demonstrated on the mediaeval cemetery of Župna Cerkev in Kranj (Slovenia). The case study was used to test whether the spatial distribution of graves is non-random and, if so, whether it is intentional. The methods used made it possible to recognize an intentional, chronologically driven choice in grave placement.

Keywords

• slovenia
• archaeology
• spatial analysis
• mediaeval cemeteries