<HTML>I'm posting this here because I think Avry's BIG point is extremely valuable, and 100% spot on... - A
Avry:
I am forced to agree with your specific contention in all of this... that the "conclusions" are nothing but "best guesses" given the data at hand...
and it is crucial that all sides acknowledge this before slinging epithets. NEITHER side has real "facts"... only interpretations of data... and these interpretations differ widely.
Now, about pottery style dating methods...
It's still just a best guess scenario. You are right about how one talented individual can throw off a whole timeline, but in cases where we are dealing with dozens, or even hundred of samples, the law of large numbers comes in and negates any minor blips by individual artists. Wouldn't you agree?
This kind of style dating certainly can not be used to establish an irrefutable timeline and dates, as such, but if used as corroborating evidence, it certainly can help a case along.
Again, though... it's just another example of your "Best Guess" hypothesis.
Which, in an of itself, is just a best guess...lol.
Anthony</HTML>