Interpreting Archaeology

Finding Meaning in the Past

Ian Hodder editor Michael Shanks editor Gavin Lucas editor Jonathan Last editor John Carman editor Alexandra Alexandri editor Victor Buchli editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:10th Apr '97

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Interpreting Archaeology cover

There has been a profound shift in the direction of archaeological activity in the last fifteen years, a change reflected in this volume. While excavation remains a professional priority, the interpretation of archaeological evidence is now attracting increasing critical study. In part this is stemmed from the public demand for explanation of archaeological evidence, which moves beyond the more restricted academic debate among archaeologists. But it also follows from a desire among archaeologists to come to terms with their own subjective approaches to the material they study, and a recognition of how past researchers have also imposed their own value systems on the evidence which they presented.
This volume provides a forum for debate between varied approaches to the past from leading archaeologists in Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia. It addresses the philosophical issues involved in interpretation, and the origins of meaning in the evolution and emergence of 'mind' in early hominids. It covers the ways in which material culture is understood and presented in museums, and how the nature of history is itself in flux.

'The quality of the papers is high and represents an up-to-date coverage of the many prominent issues with which archaeology is coming to grips. Interpretating Archaeology is a salient and timely production and would be an ideal acquisition for students. So, as Whitley indirectly cautions all readers, peruse the whole book; your understanding of current Anglo-American theoretical archaeology will be considerably advanced. ' - ARC

' Interpreting Archaeology is a salient and timely production and would be an ideal acquisition for students.' - Archaeological Review, Cambridge

ISBN: 9780415157445

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 612g

286 pages