Objects

Chris Caple

ISBN 10: 0415305896 / ISBN 13: 9780415305891

Published by Routledge 2006-06-28, 2006

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 6666-TNFPD-9780415305891

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Objects
• Publisher: Routledge 2006-06-28
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415305896
• ISBN 13: 9780415305891
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

An invaluable field textbook, Objects examines detailed case studies to provide a brilliantly clear and comprehensible guide to the different methods and approaches (cultural, forensic, and technical) which can and have been used to study ancient artefacts.

From the Bayeux Tapestry to small medieval brass pins, medieval wooden doors to Saxon jewellery, Chris Caple’s integral text deals with a full range of materials and clearly and simply explains key scientific techniques, technology, anthropological jargon and historical approaches.

Key demonstrations include:

• how information from objects builds into a picture of the ancient society that made and used it
• the commonly used scientific techniques for object analysis
• how and why object typologies work
• how cultural and economic factors as well as the material properties influences what objects are made of
• how simple observation of an object can build its biography.

Revealing answers to crucial questions – such as: Can DNA be obtained from objects? Why do people x-ray ancient artefacts? Can you determine the source of metal objects from their trace elements? – Objects is an absolutely essential text for students of archaeology, museum studies, and conservation.

About the Author

Chris Caple is Senior Lecturer in archaeological science and conservation at the University of Durham and author of Conservation Skills: Judgement, Method and Decision Making.