Association

When two or more objects are found together and it can be proved that they were deposited together, they are said to be in genuine or closed association, or to form an association. An open association is one in which this can only be assumed, not proved. No significance, of course, attaches to accidental juxtaposition. The importance of any find is greatly increased by association with other finds, which may help with its interpretation – dating, cultural connections, original function, etc. Good examples of closed associations are provided by a single interment grave, the material within a destruction level, or a hoard.