The Performativity of Measurement

Summary

This paper examines the archaeological traces of measurement in light of the roles of mensuration in quotidian rituals. Most archaeologies of performance emphasize public spectacle, coordinated by elites, usually taking place in highly visible ceremonies. While some instances of measurement do fall under this rubric, most occur with less fanfare. Nevertheless, even mundane acts of measuring may be accompanied by some amount of pageantry. Differences in context, furthermore, yield varying archaeological traces. For example, the act of weighing goods privately requires little more than a somewhat accurate scale. The act of weighing in a public market, on the other hand, requires instruments of greater precision. More importantly, these instruments must appear standardized and precise in order to maintain trust between exchange partners. They may even show signs of verification by third parties, such as agents of a state authority. By considering the contexts and materiality of acts of measurement using cases from the Old World Bronze and Iron Ages, this study aims at improving our understanding of ancient metrology as well as the public performance of daily ritual.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage