Experimental archaeology focus of anthropology talk
How do some archaeologists gain a better understanding of material culture and people across time?
They use experimental archaeology to reconstruct ancient buildings, technologies and things, based on archaeological evidence and their use as analogies for the past.
Understanding those specific techniques is the focus of the next 蹤獲扞⑹ Anthropology in our Backyard Series talk on Friday, Jan. 15 from 1 2:15 p.m. PT.
Titled Experimental Archaeology: Making, Understanding, Storytelling, the virtual lecture features Dr. Aidan OSullivan, the Director of the University College Dublins School of Archaeology and the Centre for Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture in Ireland.
At our university research facility, we make reconstructions of prehistoric and medieval buildings, objects and technologies, OSullivan explains. We investigate the many different ways that making helps with understanding, and how storytelling about the past can engage with both archaeological and historical evidence, but also with our own experiences.
OSullivan adds that for many scholars, experimental archaeology has tended to be linked closely to the scientific process of proposing questions, gathering data, testing ideas, and repeating the experiment. In recent years, some have wondered if it is possible to have an experimental archaeology that can give more weight to experience, or the sensory and emotional aspects of how people engage with buildings and material culture?
The online lecture is free and open to the public. It can be accessed at