Experimental Archaeology- Fact sheet



Experimental Archaeology- Fact sheetExperimental archaeology uses a variety of methods to test archaeological hypotheses about how things in the past were used or worked based on archaeological material evidence.Experimental archaeology is not simply elaborate re-enactment as it involves testing a theory about the past and is designed to be as close as possible to the original techniques and processes.A lot of what is thought of as experimental archaeology is really ‘experiential’ or reconstruction rather than experiment. An experiment should address a hypothesis, ask questions and seek answers from the process. The types of experimental archaeology projects that are carried out fall into four categories:Controlled replication of archaeological artefacts or activitiesTesting the validity of archaeological assumptions based on known evidence‘contextual’ experiment dealing with the way archaeological sites are formed and how they deteriorate over timeEthnoarchaeology which collates information about how human behaviour relates to the environment and material cultureControlled replication is often what comes to mind when thinking about experimental archaeology. Examples are the making of stone tools, and flint knapping. Replicating this type of artefact allows the archaeologist to understand the processes and techniques involved. This then feeds into the understanding of past subsisitence and technology.Testing methodological assumptions allows archaeologists to check whether their interpretations are correct. A famous example of this is Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki experiment. He tested his theories on the colonization of Polynesia by reconstructing a balsa raft based on historical descriptions. Then he sailed his raft 6900 km from the western coast of South America to the Tuamotu Islands. He found that superficial features of the raft were destroyed but the crew all made the journey safely. This experiment gave credibility to his colonization theory. See Contextual experiments can help archaeologists to understand more about how reliable their excavation techniques are. A long running example is that of the Overton Down experiment in Avebury. In 1960 and experimental earthwork was created with its gradual decay being recorded over time. This experiment was particularly ambitious as it had a timescale of 128 years. Experimental excavations were to be carried out after 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 years. The experiment has already shown that the erosion of the earthworks occurs more quickly than was previously thought. This has suggested that many prehistoric earthworks could have reached their present state not long after they were abandoned. For more information see the CBA research report hosted by the ADS: Ethnoarchaeology can help to show archaeologists that cause and effect of human activity in the present which can be applied to the past evidence. An example of this is the observations of the !Kung campsites by John Yellen. He looked at the patterns of animal remains that were deposited to understand the butchery patterns, use of tools and distribution of meat outside of the campsite. He also considered natural features that could have an impact on the patterns of faunal remains. Useful Weblinks for Experimental Archaeology3086100167640European Exchange on Archaeological Research- Links to experimental archaeology places and research from Europe Centre for Experimental Archaeology- American site containing some useful information Picture of Butser Ancient FarmBBC Website- Containing references to book, links and places to visit Lejre Centre- A site in Denmark practising experimental archaeology, containing useful information about research and activity ideas Lemba Archaeological Research Centre, Cyprus- An experimental village in Cyprus with links to Edinburgh University. Lothene Experimental Archaeology- A group who reconstruct and re-enact life in 11th Century Scotland, containing activity ideas University of Oslo, Stone Age Reference Collection- Lithic based experiments including skinning a deer and chopping down trees Suffolk County Council- Links to experimental archaeology camps that took place last summer, give an idea on types of activities that can be undertaken CBA Research Report No.100: The Experimental Earthwork Project- available online hosted by ADS. Experimental Archaeology on a huge scale Learn NC- resources for teaching archaeology for the public- list of websites containing archaeology for children, including a link to dendrochronolgy for kids ................
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