Theme:
4. People of the Present – Peopling the Past
Session format:
Regular session
Title:
EXARC: Reconstructing Past Narratives Through Experimental Archaeology
Content:
Experimental archaeology can capture the imagination of even the most blasé professional archaeologist. There is a fascination in seeing the material culture of the past re-created, along with associated smells, sounds, touch and taste, making it experiential as much as experimental. In addition experimental archaeology answers vital questions about how objects were made and used, including use-wear studies and collaboration between experienced artisans and archaeological researchers, EXARC’s mission is to make the archaeological past widely accessible by creating opportunities for researchers and practitioners to collaborate, exchange information, and share best practices in research and education. This session brings together those aims for like minds who are interested in how experimental/experiential archaeology fuses material culture studies of conventional archaeology with the human story of the past, making it more relatable, as a means of preservation for traditional skills, and for understanding past technology. Talks can address but are not limited to the following topics: - Best strategies and practices employed for reconstructing or presenting the past to the public - How real is reconstruction? How close to authenticity is experimental archaeology - Reconstruction of material objects: successes and limitations – Experimental archaeology in the lab and in the field - The social and spiritual aspects of ancient technologies, putting people at the heart of technology.
Keywords:
experimental archaeology, experiential archaeology, narratives, reconstructing past
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:
Main organiser:
Elpidia Giovanna Fregni (United States) 1
Co-organisers:
Rena Maguire (United Kingdom) 2
Brendan O'Neill (Ireland) 2
Affiliations:
1. Unafilliated
2. University College Dublin
THIS SESSION CAN NOT BE SELECTED AT THIS MOMENT