Experiencing Archaeology by Experiment: Proceedings of the Experimental Archaeology Conference, Exeter 2007 (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781842173428)

There is a growing trend among archaeologists to re-create artefacts and actions at a 1:1 scale in order to answer questions and gain new insights into the past. In November 2007, the University of Exeter hosted a one-day conference on experimental archaeology, and it was soon discovered that experience is a key issue in understanding the use of materials and past processes. Papers presented in this volume consider both theoretical issues and practical case studies. The scope ranges from skinning animals or dyeing wool the Roman way, to producing sound with flint tools, carving stone on Chalcolithic Cyprus, or casting bronze objects both as art and science in Ireland. The eight chapters in this book demonstrate the myriad possibilities of archaeology by experiment. Experimental archaeology is multi-disciplinary by nature, with examples from anthropology, ethnography, taxidermy, finite element analysis and manufacturing systems theory all being present in this volume. Not only does this sub-discipline have a colourful and meaningful past, but it will surely have a significant future.

Author: Penny Cunningham,Julia Heeb,Roeland Paardekooper
ISBN-10: 1842173421
ISBN-13: 9781842173428
Publisher: Oxbow Books Limited
Language: English
Published: 12/01/2008
Pages: 128
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.60w x 0.40d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 02/01/2009 pg. 37