Experimental Archaeology and the Theory of Experience: A View from Medieval Archaeology

Summary

This is an abstract from the "New Work in Medieval Archaeology, Part 2: Crossing Boundaries, Materialities, and Identities" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The theoretical foundation of experimental archaeology is often left implicit. Some argue that the primary value of experimental archaeology lies in scientific experiments to investigate specific and non-theoretical questions about ancient technology. This paper will address the experiential aspect of experimental archaeology and how that can make a significant and valuable contribution to better interpretations of the archaeological past. The role of human action and behavior is central to anthropological studies, and interacting with the material world is a central part of human action. Experimental archaeology can make a step toward recreating past behavior and material interaction rather than just replicating technology. Examples from medieval archaeology in Europe, specifically food and ceramics, will be used to illustrate the value in experiential experimental archaeology.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• New Work in Medieval Archaeology, Part 2: Crossing Boundaries, Materialities, and Identities   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 38611.0