Experiment and Experience – Practice in a Collaborative Environment

Summary

The Umha Aois (Irish for “Bronze Age”) experimental bronze casting project was founded in 1995 by a group of artists in Ireland. The project was led mainly by art practitioners until 2004, when interest from archaeologists and PhD researchers began to increase dramatically. The project is now characterised by an interdisciplinary approach. Practitioners from diverse fi elds as art, archaeology, ethnography and media studies meet regularly to conduct artistic and archaeological

experiments, as well as public demonstrations.

Now in its 12th year, the project is beginning to make a signifi cant contribution to experimental archaeology. Participants have gained a high level of competence in Bronze Age casting technologies and are generating publishable data. Due to its

interdisciplinary nature, Umha Aois provides a forum for experiential activities and scientific experiment, practical skills and theoretical thought in fi elds as diverse as art, archaeology, ethnography and philosophy.

This paper will concentrate on the potential relationships between academic and practical knowledge within Umha Aois as an interdisciplinary research group. The presentation concludes by placing the project into the wider context of current

models of research and knowledge generation, which encourage practical experience in combination with traditional academic research.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager

Record Identifiers

ExArc Id(s): 8612

Notes

Rights & Attribution: The information in this record was originally compiled by Dr. Roeland Paardekooper, EXARC Director.