Measuring Time with Artifacts

This book offers an in-depth examination of chronometric techniques and their evolution in American archaeology, particularly in relation to artifacts and cultural transmission.

This work offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical context and methodologies surrounding chronometric techniques in archaeology. Measuring Time with Artifacts delves into the origins and evolving applications of these fundamental methods, providing insights into how American archaeologists have studied the transformation of artifacts, sites, and societies over time. The book emphasizes the significance of artifact-based chronometers and the cultural transmission they represent, shedding light on the epistemological and ontological frameworks that guide archaeological inquiry.

Throughout the text, the author addresses critical issues such as the preference for cultural evolutionism over biological evolutionism among early archaeologists, the pivotal role of artifact classification in stratigraphic excavation, and the multifaceted analytical capabilities of the direct historical approach. By examining the interplay between archaeological methods and paleontological practices, Measuring Time with Artifacts illustrates how classifications and graphical representations can elucidate changes in artifacts across temporal landscapes.

By understanding the historical underpinnings of artifact-based chronometers, readers gain valuable insights into how knowledge of the past is constructed and understood. This volume serves as an essential guide for those interested in the chronological methods and analytical units employed by American archaeologists, ensuring a deeper appreciation for the reasoning behind their practices during the early twentieth century.