Experimental Archeology

Question 1

Paragraph 1 - definition / types

Answer 1

Experimental only relates to certain activities. Aim to reproduce former conditions and circumstances. We do not actually know what the past is like so cannot reconstruct. Main types are constructs, processes and functions. ( how things were) simulation, eventuality trial and technological innovation.

Question 2

Paragraph 2 - Flint tools

Answer 2

Effects of heat treatment on raw materials, and use wear. Long history of this. Assess wear on Flint tools - can tell different activities.
Flake debris is frequent, is it a good way of diagnosis of making time and space designations.
Computer technology has helped. Failure to produce similar debris as those on arch records - unreliable
Need to compare - type, quality, size and tools etc. Best conduct is one knapper and one data recorder.

Question 3

Paragraph 3 - perishables / benefits

Answer 3

Organic materials only preserved by mineralising. Easy to lose data.
More information than stone tools etc. Yields insights not only into process and product but other aspects like thought process and sensory perception - hard to quantify
New understanding of the geopolitical foundations
Educational and public outreach - interaction.

Question 4

Paragraph 4 - stimulation and examples

Answer 4

Stimulation - observe over long time. Decomposing or taken down.
Shown effects of whethering and observing. Excavate at different stages.
Symons castle
Recreating Viking ships to test hypothetical design -
Peter Reynolds - iron age round houses used stone tools to get real view

Question 5

Sources

Answer 5

Designing experimental research in archeology: examining technology through production and use - Jeffery R. Ferguson 2010
Introduction to experimental archeology - Alan k outram 2008