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 Replicating the Past The Art and Science of the Archaeological Experiment Stephen C. Saraydar Experiments have long played a crucial role in scientific investigation. In archaeology, they provide solutions to increasingly sophisticated and intractable problems that are beyond the reach of more conventional methods. This volume introduces readers to the role of replicative experiments in modern archaeology and the ways such experiments are designed, carried out, and their results evaluated. With an emphasis on contemporary archaeological theory, this text is structured around case studies in which investigations that provide particularly good insight into the nature of archaeological experimentation are examined in detail and critiqued. The contributions of archaeological experiments in the classroom and in educating the general public about the past are also evaluated.
$19.95 list, 172 pages 10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-557-0 13-digit ISBN: 978-157766-557-1 © 2008 “I’m impressed with the cogent synthesis of method and theory in this volume. I’m pleased that the examples used come from a wide variety of archaeological case studies.” — John W. Olsen, University of Arizona “This is an excellent, well-illustrated overview of experimental archaeology. Judiciously selected examples, ranging from small artifacts to landscapes, highlight the importance of the experimental method for archaeological interpretations.” — Peter Siegel, Montclair State University Table of Contents 1. Approaches to the Past Introduction / Archaeology in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries / A Look Ahead 2. The Experiment in the Sciences and Archaeology Investigation by Experiment / The Logic of Archaeological Experimentation: Working Backwards and Moving Forward / The Design of the Experiment / Complementary Approaches 3. Experimental Approaches to Artifacts and Features A Brief and Very Selective Survey / Case Studies: The Egyptian Drill / Brain Removal in Mummification / Palaeolithic Lamps / Handaxe Manufacture / The Functions of Stone Tools / The Discovery of Smelting / Clues to the Identification of Ancient Mesoamerican Kilns / Seeking the Long-Vanished Contents of Maya Chultuns / Chapter Summary 4. Building on the Basics: Replicating Complex Events and Processes Overview / Case Studies: Working with Axes of Metal and Stone / Copper Casting in Mexico / Firing Romano-British Kilns / Monumental Undertakings / Modeling Ancient Buildings / Paddling about the Ocean Blue / Replicating Noncultural Processes: Neolithic Earthwork / Chapter Summary 5. Ceremonial Centers and Ancient Farms: Assembling the Big Picture, Piece by Piece Overview / Case Studies: Constructing Uxmal / Maya Occupational Specialization in Copán / As You Sow, So Shall You Reap: Experiments in Ancient Agriculture / It Takes a Village: Lejre and Butser / Chapter Summary 6. Experiments, Humanistic Science, and Education The Experiment and Sensuous–Intellectual Complementarity / Experiments in Education / Who Owns the Past? Appendix: Lessons from Experimental Sites
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