Archaeological Approaches to Technology - Hardcover

Miller, Heather Margaret-louise

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0124969518 ISBN 13: 9780124969513

Publisher: Emerald Group Pub Ltd, 2006

Synopsis

The study of ancient technologies that is, the ways in which objects and materials were made and used can reveal insights into economic, social, political, and ritual realms of the past. This book summarizes the current state of ancient technology studies by emphasizing methodologies, some major technologies, and the questions and issues that drive archaeologists in their consideration of these technologies. It shows the ways that technology studies can be used by archaeologists working anywhere, on any type of society and it embraces an orientation toward the practical, not the philosophical.

* Compares the range of pre-industrial technologies, from stone tool production to glass manufacture
* Case studies show how technological changes affect and are affected by social, political, economic values;
* Discusses essential terminology (technology, material culture, chaîne opératoire, etc.), primarily from the perspective of how these terms are used by archaeologists

About this title

Book Description:

Offers archaeologists who are not experts in these subjects with a ready reference

From the Back Cover:

Archaeological Approaches to Technology offers a unified, consistent approach to ancient technologies, teaching readers to look for insights revealed by comparisons among them. Without seeking to replace traditional studies of specific technologies, it explores the range of archaeological approaches to technologies by enabling comparisons across types of crafts. These comparisons in turn reveal how archaeological specialists have used technology studies to address a wide variety of social questions about our ancestors. With case studies organized by process or functional topic rather than material type, Professor Miller's scholarship creates a framework for collaboration among researchers in different locations working in different disciplines, traditions, and approaches.

About this edition

• Publisher: Emerald Group Pub Ltd
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0124969518
• ISBN 13: 9780124969513
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 298