Theme:
4. Persisting with Change: Theory and Archaeological Scrutiny
Session format:
Session with keynote presentation and discussion
Title:
Archaeology of Archaeology?
Content:
Many excavators have to deal with the remains of older excavations at their site of research. Spoil heaps and old trenches, as well as archival documentation and photographs, all testify of the activities of former archaeologists. In this session, we will discuss the extent to which these remains can be used to inform us about the epistemology of archaeological research.
We will present the ‘Archaeology of Archaeology’ approach, which is being developed at the University of Amsterdam. This approach aims to understand better how the excavations at ancient Troy in Turkey have functioned as research contexts in which knowledge has been produced.
The current geography of a place such as ancient Troy in Turkey is determined at least as much by the archaeological activities over a period of more than 150 years as by ancient habitation. The remains that testify of the activities of previous excavators can be investigated archaeologically. For example, old trenches can be re-investigated to review documentation methods. Excavation can be done in old dumps to study collection practices. There are additional possibilities using innovative technologies.
By now, archaeology has a long history and can itself be investigated archaeologically. In this session we aim to discuss how the remains of older excavations can serve to shed light on the process of archaeology. In particular, on the basis of best practices, we hope to begin to formulate methodologies and guidelines to arrive at a diverse toolkit for this new field of archaeology of archaeology. The possibility to publish the session’s papers will be considered.
Keywords:
Archaeological Excavation, Epistemology in Archaeology, History of Archaeology, Archaeological Theory, Site Formation, Digital Mapping
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:
Gert van Wijngaarden (Netherlands) 1
Co-organisers:
Lee Clare (Turkey) 2
Jitte Waagen (Netherlands) 1
Affiliations:
1. University of Amsterdam
2. Deutshces Archäologisches Institut, Istanbul
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