Reviews It takes two It takes two Publishing Proceedings on experimental

Roeland P. Paardekooper Historisch Openluchtmuseum Eindhoven, Netherlands

l Th e compilation of articles on experimental archaeology divides the subject into diff erent fi elds according to a theoretical template and presents a compre- hensive introduction to it, unfortunately only from an American perspective.

Introduction originating from the Germanic speak- Out of the blue, a compilation of ing countries. (mostly American) articles on experi- Both the French and German groups mental archaeology was published in could have connected, but Europe is still 2002. Th is volume grew out of a sympo- too regional. Our future lies in connect- sium session on Experimental Archae- ing, not reinventing the wheel, but per- ology that was co-organized by James forming again and again experiments R. Mathieu and Andrew W. Pelcin for with other peoples’ theories and meth- the for American Archaeology ods. If we are serious about experimental annual meetings in Chicago, Illinois in archaeology and want to move beyond 1999. Mathieu continued searching for the personal or group experience, we more authors for these Proceedings and should make connections, both between ended up with 11 articles (fi g. 1). Ten the diff erent language regions in Europe of those were written by Americans or as well as intercontinental. Th e two tools Canadians; he found only one in Great for this are: use of English as a Lingua Britain and clearly could not get any Franca and the use of the internet. EX- further. How come, that there were no ARC can promote both of these goals other European experimental archae- excellently, among others through their ologists involved in the discussions, website at www.exarc.net . as this book witnesses? Where are the Scandinavians, Germans or French to A new grid for mention just a few? How can we all pur- sue developments in our fi eld when the experimental archaeology diff erent regions in the world or even Besides witnessing a geographical Europe are hardly in contact with each division that separates so many, Mathieu other? At the 2004 European conven- gives us a division in the diff erent fi elds tion of archaeologists (EAA) in France, of experimental archaeology that leads to a session on experimental archaeology more control over the fi eld. Such a division was organised. Five of the seven lectures does not have to depend on material cat- were on French subjects and the other egories but on a theoretical template. But two Italian. At the European conven- this is not the main objective. He wishes tion on experimental archaeology in to off er a reader for teaching at univer- Germany (Tagung) in the same year, 13 sity. Th is volume should be welcomed all lectures are foreseen, all of the authors across Europe and maybe we should try

206 euroREA 1/2004

eeuroREA1.indburoREA1.indb 220606 222.2.20052.2.2005 223:03:083:03:08 Reviews It takes two

to connect with the interesting thoughts a hierarchical typology of experimental and projects of our colleagues. archaeological research. Many have gone Mathieu’s opening address (Experi- before him and at fi rst sight his categories mental Archaeology: Replicating Past Ob- seem slightly similar to other approaches. jects, Behaviours, and Processes) off ers the Mathieu is not the fi rst and his hierarchi- framework, the rest of the book is based cal division solves only part of the prob- upon. In fact, aft er reading the introduc- lem experimental archaeology has. A clear tion, one should be able to have a better methodology is still lacking. understanding of experimental archae- Without describing the typology in ology in general, being able to pin down detail, the logic is made clear by the names any experiment one encounters to a spe- of the categories themselves. Hopefully, cifi c category and therewith, understand the short list of catchwords will encourage its potential and individual value. further reading of the book (fi g. 2). Mathieu uses the same line of rea- soning when considering the hypothesis Not all work is experimental forming and testing experiments as used in other places (like Richter 1991) and con- Thankfully, Mathieu suggest de- cerns the idea of providing or enhancing classifying of certain kinds of activities, analogies for archaeological interpreta- which others label as experimental ar- tion. He takes a further step by defi ning chaeology. Methodological experiments

Introduction Experimental Archaeology: Replicating Past Objects, Behaviors, and Processes by James R. Mathieu Section 1: Object replication Monitoring Developments: Replicas and Reproducibility by Genevieve LeMoine; Musical Behaviors and the Archaeological Record: A Preliminary Study by Ian Cross, Ezra B. W. Zubrow, and Frank Cowan; Distinguishing Metal (Steel and Low-Tin Bronze) from Stone ( and Obsidian) Tool Cut Marks on Bone: An Experimental Approach by Haskel J. Greenfi eld; Section 2: Behavioral replication Controlled Experiments with Middle Paleolithic Spear Points: Levallois Points by John J. Shea, Kyle S. Brown, and Zachary J. Davis; Reconceptualizing Experimental Archaeology: Assessing the Process of Experimentation by James R. Mathieu and Daniel A. Meyer; Seeing What Is Not There: Reconstructing the Monumental Experience by Alexei Vranich; Space, Place and Inka Domination in Northwest Argentina by Chad Giff ord and Félix Acuto; Section 3: Process replication This Little Piggy Went to Cumbria, This Little Piggy Went to Wales: The Tales of 12 Piglets in Peat by Heather Gill-Robinson; SMELT: Economies of Scale by Carl Blair; Experimenting with Migration: Simulating Population Growth and Continental Migration by Ezra B.W. Zubrow

Fig. 1 List of contents of the book under review. n

euroREA 1/2004 207

eeuroREA1.indburoREA1.indb 220707 222.2.20052.2.2005 223:03:093:03:09 Reviews It takes two

(for example to test the usefulness of new Like a botanist, a use wear analyst excavation techniques) have always been needs a reference library. But for an ana- set aside from ‘regular’ experimental ar- lyst like LeMoine and her colleagues this chaeology. ‘Social interpretations’ are also is a never-ending story: too many possi- disregarded by Mathieu. Indeed, noting ble actions, tools and materials. Descrip- how much eff ort it takes ‘us’ to build a life tions in word of specifi c use wear traces size model of an house might are not enough to identify a specifi c type tell us nothing of how it was in the past of wear and in contrast to what most because there is no feed back possible outsiders may believe neither are pho- with archaeological data. A good reason tos. Th e same traces may look diff erent, to have these “modern experiences” re- even when using two microscopes of the moved from experimental archaeology. same kind. Th ey might lead to experiments, but are LeMoine discusses the advantages not experiments themselves. of using highly detailed surface replicas of authentic and experimental use wear Getting a grip traces. Th e technique she describes (using acetate tape instead of silicone rubber) Mathieu also addresses the problem enhanced her research and analytical of the qualities of controlled experiments fl exibility. Now she can make “prints” and repeatability. It is clear that Mathieu with such ease, that she is able to record tries to give a method for those searching diff erent stages of use on an experimen- to control (their own) experiments. He tal tool as well as making diff erent sets of succeeds in this by describing his ideas “prints” to share her data with others. in very clear language. Th e introduction LeMoine gives a clear description of is well built, but it needs to be continued. the problem, the history as well as pos- Th e articles that follow are not this con- sible solutions. tinuation of Mathieu’s line of thought, but an illustration that it is possible to use the hierarchical typology. Object replication visual replicas functional replicas Examples using real artefacts or “full replicas” Example Section 1: Behavioural replication functional replication Object replication comparative experiments Genevieve LeMoine: Monitoring phenomenological studies Developments: Replicas and Repro- Process replication ducibility, pp 13 – 19. formation process replication technological process replication Lemoine’s trade is the use of wear simulation studies analysis, in this case on bone, antler and System replication ivory. Her activities discussed here are Ethno archaeology the making and use of tools, followed by microscopic examination to identify traces of use. She produces and uses Fig. 2 Short list of catchwords to understand visual replicas of surfaces of artefacts, Mathieu’s division of experimental archaeology. which hold use wear traces. Figure from reviewed book. n

208 euroREA 1/2004

eeuroREA1.indburoREA1.indb 220808 222.2.20052.2.2005 223:03:093:03:09 Reviews It takes two

Example Section 2: that not all aspects are quantifi able? Th e authors want to step away from Behavioral replication the impossibilities. Using an example, James R. Mathieu and Daniel A. the paper indeed goes through the stag- Meyer: Reconceptualizing Experimen- es of experimentation: design, trial and tal Archaeology: Assessing the Process analysis. of Experimentation, pp 73 – 83. Experiments are either run by em- Th is presentation included a case piricists looking for data or processual- study and is very clearly written while ists looking to delineate processes and / the information is helpfully stuff ed away or test hypotheses. in 8 fi gures to which one can turn. Mathieu and Meyer suggest that in Mathieu and Meyer use the case all three stages of experimentation, iden- study, which was research into the ef- tifi cation of variables and refi ning the fectiveness of diff erent kinds of axes, as context takes place as well as the form- an example to make their point. It is true ing of new hypotheses. Seen this way, an that some foreign literature was used, as experiment is a major experience gaining it should be because this project is a large and idea-collecting activity! In the trial case study. Obviously, they have read the phase, the researcher is confronted with Draved experiments in Denmark on the tangible situations. To quote from the eff ectiveness of diff erent kinds of axes, gentlemen as an illustration: “our dealing but what about more recent work in Eu- with a number of practical problems, such rope? Th e usability of fl int tools was test- as the density of the under bush [during ed in Lejre in 1997 (although published their experiment they cut 100 trees, rp], only in a small circle), and have they the proximity of obstacles prohibiting the not seen the “Bilanz” books themselves? full swing of the axe, and fi nally problems In the 1991 volume, a comparison was with the axes themselves gave us a good ap- made between fl int, bronze and steel preciation of some of the human variables tools and at the latest ‘Tagung’ confer- such as frustration, anger and relief.” Only ence in Oldenburg 2002; a presentation in the fi nal stage, the analysis phase, pre- was given on forest clearance. vious hypotheses can be assessed. As Mathieu and Meyer argue, most Following their suggestions, most experiments start off with one aim and experiments are mainly hypotheses gen- end up at a quite unexpected point. Ex- erating and to a less extent hypothesis- perimenters should have more realistic testing. Gaining fi rst hand technological goals in mind before starting their ex- experience is another positive. periments. Th is way they would not get Th e most important quality of this disappointed so easily and reject experi- paper lies in clarifying the need for (ex- mental archaeology as useless. ‘Th e wash- perimental) archaeology to look beyond ing powder itself is not to blame’ (aft er the technological, or as they state: “experi- Flamman 1991 - unpublished)! mentation provides a better understanding Experiments tend to be focussed of the context of past human behavior.” on technological matters but during the It is a pity, however, that this issue is process, other aspects start to intervene, only paid attention to in the conclusion broadening the research into more eco- of the article, even though it is exactly nomic and / or social focuses. Does this this why this article is added as an exam- disappoint the archaeologist who realises ple of “replicating behaviours”.

euroREA 1/2004 209

eeuroREA1.indburoREA1.indb 220909 222.2.20052.2.2005 223:03:103:03:10 Reviews It takes two

Example Section 3: of the bodies, which carry evidence of Process replication such actions. During World War I experiments Heather Gill-Robinson: Th is Lit- were already being executed to under- tle Piggy Went to Cumbria, Th is Little stand the preservation of bog bodies. Piggy Went to Wales: Th e Tales of 12 In Denmark, Ellerman (Ellerman 1917) Piglets in Peat by, pp 111 – 126. even subjected human skin to various Mrs Gill-Robinson’s investigation peat mixtures in his lab. Gill-Robinson was concerned with prehistoric human decided not to work under controlled bog bodies in Northwestern Europe. laboratory conditions but used fully She wished to determine which envi- functioning peat bog ecosystems. Espe- ronmental factors may contribute to the cially if one cannot determine all factors preservation of mammalian soft tissue in beforehand and one wants to qualify, bogs. Th is meant an investigation into a not quantify the variables, approaching bio-natural process, not a process in past the original circumstances as close as human society. possible is a good step to take. When se- Besides her experiments, she set lecting the modern burial locations for up a database with information on this her experiment, one of the criteria used much talked of category of archaeologi- was that the site had produced preserved cal fi nds. material in the past, the presence of spa- Her research is reminiscent of the ghnum moss was a constant factor. Th ree Lejre research on the microclimatic fac- locations were selected where a number tors, which lead to the favourable pres- of specimens were buried. As a substitute ervations of human bodies in Bronze for human remains, piglets were chosen. Age grave hills in Denmark. Just like in Obviously, they lack some characteristics Lejre, Gill-Robinson decided to bury of adult human bodies, but what was the “fresh meat” in order to excavate it later. alternative? (Fig. 3) Th e Lejre research (Breuning-Madsen, One of the results of excavation be- Holst & Rasmussen 2001), was executed tween 6 to 36 months later was that the roughly in the same time frame as this research. Most articles on bog bodies have a narrow focus; their conclusions are based on the non-representative and small group of well preserved sam- ples. Setting up a bog-body-database and evaluating it was necessary to draw more balanced general conclu- sions. In total, the database included 369 individuals, which lead the author to state that: “the commonly held belief that most humans in peat bogs were subjected to tortuous rites and vicious Fig. 3 Piglet, excavated after having been in deaths does not seem to be supported by the bog for six months. Picture kindly provided the evidence (…)”. It is a small minority by mrs Gill-Robinson. n

210 euroREA 1/2004

eeuroREA1.indburoREA1.indb 221010 222.2.20052.2.2005 223:03:103:03:10 Reviews It takes two

Fig. 4 One of the tables belonging to Gill-Robinson’s “This Little Piggy Went to Cumbria, This Little Piggy Went to Wales: The Tales of 12 Piglets in Peat”. Picture from reviewed book. n

bodies had moved. Th is was not just experimental archaeology, albeit con- because of their shrinkage, but clearly, strained to “the American Way”. Th e bogs are in fl ux. Another result was the weakness of Mathieu and his authors opinion that water level and its tempera- is that they did not seek any infl uences ture are among the determining factors from Europe. Our weakness may be that in the preservation of soft mammal tis- we do not inform ourselves on what is sue in bogs. happening across the ocean. I see the When describing the excavated pig- book as an invitation for an exchange lets, it was not in each case immediately of and discussion on experimental ar- clear what the readers should focus on: chaeology across the world. We can all the author decided to add more primary benefi t, not just the academics. data then might at fi rst seem necessary. Th e price of this BAR is not as scarily With these primary data presented, high as the last ‘big’ book on experimen- the readers can draw their conclusions tal archaeology (Stone & Planel 1999) themselves, but some of it could have which now tops out at about € 150,00 found a place in the tables and even (excl. P&P). For less then 1/3rd of this then, some of the information presented price the Mathieu book is yours. in tables could have been transformed into or augmented by graphics as well. Book information (Fig. 4). James R. Mathieu (editor) (2002): Experimental Archaeology – Replicating past objects, behaviors, and processes, BAR International Series S1035, ISBN 1 84171 Conclusion 415 1. £26,00 (about € 39,00). 158 pp, numerous photo- With over 150 large sized pages on graphs, charts, drawings. Published by Archaeopress, available through Hadrian Books: Gordon House, 122 experimental archaeology at academic Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7BP, , Tel +44 1865 level, this book off ers food for thought. 310431, Fax +44 1865 316916, e-mail: bar@hadrianbooks. It is a great introduction into academic co.uk Web: www.archaeopress.com

euroREA 1/2004 211

eeuroREA1.indburoREA1.indb 221111 222.2.20052.2.2005 223:03:113:03:11 Reviews It takes two

Other sources Summary Breuning-Madsen, Henrik, Holst, Mads Kähler, Rasmussen, Marianne 2001: The Chemical Environment in Es gehören zwei dazu. Zur Veröff entlichung von a Burial Mound shortly after construction - An Ergebnissen zur experimentellen Archäologie Archaeological-pedological Experiment. In: Journal of , vol. 28,7 pp 691-697. Dieser Band ging aus einem Symposium zur Experi- mentellen Archäologie hervor, das von James R. Mathieu Ellerman, V. (1917): Eine eigentümliche Veränderung von Leichen in Torfmooren (“Moorgerbung”), und Andrew W. Pelcin für die Gesellschaft für Ameri- in: Vierteljahrschrift für ger. Med. und. öff . San kanische Archäologie auf dem Jahrestreff en in Chicago, – Wesen 54, pp 181-192 Illinois, im Jahre 1999 mitorganisiert wurde. Sie liefert uns eine Einteilung der verschiedenen Forsström, Per, Holberg, Eirin (1998): Chopping with Arbeitsbereiche der Experimentellen Archäologie, in- a core axe and a fl ake axe, an experiment with dem Sie eine klar defi nierte, hierarchische Typologie fl int tools and wood, in: Holten, Lars (editor) (1998): experiments in archaeology - Lejre der experimentalarchäologischen Forschung aufstellt. Seminars 1997, Teknisk Rapport / Technical Report Das Problem der Qualität von kontrollierten Experi- No. 4, (Lejre), pp 13-16 menten und ihrer Wiederholbarkeit wird ebenfalls be- handelt. Einzelthemen dienen dabei als Illustration für Holsten, Hermann & Kai Martens: Die Axt im die Nutzung der hierarchischen Typologie. Walde: Experimente zur Holzbearbeitung mit Der Band war ursprünglich “nur” als Kompen- Flint- , Bronze- und Stahlwerkzeugen. in: Fansa, M. (editor) (1991): Experimentelle Archäologie, dium für den universitären Unterricht angelegt, er ist Bilanz 1991, Archäologische Mitteilungen aus aber gleichzeitig ebenso eine hervorragende Einfüh- Nordwestdeutschland. Beiheft 6 (Oldenburg), rung in die akademische Experimentalarchäologie, pp 231-243. auch wenn diese dabei auf die amerikanische Perspek- tive beschränkt ist. Reynolds, Peter J. (1999): The nature of experiment in archaeology, in: Harding, A.F. (editor): Experiment and Design. Archaeological studies in honour of Cela nécessite les deux John Coles. Cette publication est composée des exposés pro- Richter, Pascale B. (1991): Experimentelle Archäologie: noncés au symposium sur ľarchéologie expérimentale. Ziele, Methoden und Aussagemöglichkeiten. in: Organisé par James R. Mathieu et Andrew W. Pelcin, il Fansa, M. (editor): Archäologische Mitteilungen aus Nordwestdeutschland. Beiheft 6 (Oldenburg), a eu lieu à Chicago, Illinois, en 1999, à ľoccasion de la pp 19-49. conférence de Society for American Archaeology. Ľarchéologie expérimentale y est divisée en divers Stone, Peter G. & Planel, Phillipe (editors): Th e Con- domaines à ľaide de la typologie hiérarchique élabo- structed Past, experimental archaeology, education rée pour la recherche archéologique expérimentale. and the public, One World Archaeology Series, Le livre traite les problèmes de la qualité et ceux de (London, Routledge), (ISBN 0 415 11768 2), origi- nally £80,00, now £ 99,00. la répétition de ľexpérience côntrolée. Les diff érents articles servent ďillustrations de la typologie hiérar- chique appliquée. Le livre est envisagé comme manuel pour les écoles supérieures. Il s’agit d’une bonne introduction dans ľarchéologie expérimentale académique quoique restreinte sur la voie américaine.

Fig. 5 Drawing used to clarify the subjects of the SMELT project in the UK. Picture from reviewed book. n

212 euroREA 1/2004

eeuroREA1.indburoREA1.indb 221212 222.2.20052.2.2005 223:03:123:03:12