Lecture 20 - Intro To Archaeolgy Flashcards
List the three main theoretical paradigms in archaeology in chronological order.
- Culture History
- Processual Archaeology
- Post Processual Archaeology
What is Hawkes’ Ladder of Hierarchy?
A framework developed by Christopher Hawkes in 1954 that describes levels of archaeological reconstruction difficulty
Level 1 = technology and ecology
Level 2 = social and political life
Level 3 = ideology and spoken systems
What are the three major areas of investigation in Technology and Ecology (Hawkes Ladder)?
- Settlement patterns
- Technology
- Subsistence patterns
What does Social and Political Organization investigate (Hawkes Ladder)?
Economics (composition and exchange of resources), social groupings (kinships, villages, hosueholds), political structure and power/leadership.
What is Processual Archaeology?
Initiated in the 1960s by Lewis Binford ad others. Used a scientific approach to archaeology.
What is Middle Range Theory in archaeology?
Observing processes in the present to explain the past.
What is Post Processual Archaeology?
Developed in 1980s, Ian Hodder later became leader of this school of thought. The focus is on human sociology.
What is Cognitive Archaeology focused on?
The archaeology of the mind, integrating ecology and technology while considering humans as conscious decision-makers
What types of art are generally recognized in archaeology?
- Mural art
- Portable art
What is significant about the Lion Man Figurine?
Carved from mammoth tusk, found in Southern Germany, dating back 30,000 BP. Very old form of art.
What is the approximate dating range for Upper Paleolithic cave art?
21,000-17,000 BP
Concentrated areas are found in France and Spain, with additional occurrences in Africa and Australia.
What is a challenge in interpreting rock art?
The context of production is often unknown, making meaning difficult to ascertain
Why did things change in the past?
Invention, diffusion and spread of ideas, and migration.
What is the Culture History ideology?
The concept of culture areas that are divided via cultural boundaries and changes but have a shared environment.
What is the NAGPRA law?
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, passed on November 16th, 1990. Its goal is to protect and repair all Native American artifacts found in archaeological pursuits.
