DISCUSSION 

Q Butser Ancient Farm Iron Age Village Q Experimental Centre Lejre Fishing Stone Age style Linking and Living History in the Heritage Industry

This article describes the way of historical periods and methods archaeology, which involves trying four archaeocentres go about of portraying them. My research is out various methods of simulating gathering information on the centred on four diff erent historical artefacts or actions through looking past and how they pass on that centres within the heritage indus- living history aff ects our knowledge information: Butser Ancient try. Th is research (another word of the past and how experimental Farm in , , for ‘research’?) will also show the archaeology contributes to this type Lejre Historical-Archaeological advantages of using an anthropo- of learning. Centre in Denmark, the Scottish logical approach to archaeological Crannog Centre in Perth practice and interpretation. Re- I am aware that an archaeologist is and Archaeolink Prehistory cent anthropological study in the searching for clues to enable a bet- Centre in Aberdeenshire, both areas of craft , apprenticeship and ter understanding of the past, but Scotland. enskilment; and history, memory I am also aware that people in the and the past in the present, have past had complex social and cultur- Q Carolyn FORREST had limited utilisation in any of al structures within their societies (UK) the other associated disciplines and this information cannot be ac- and has had no impact on exper- cessed directly through the archae- Th e main purpose of experimen- imental archaeology at all. I hope ological remains. Anthropology is tal archaeology is to seek a better to show that integration of these concerned with gaining knowledge understanding of how prehistoric issues to be extremely benefi cial of how societies function by way of artefacts were made and used. Th is in aiding our understanding of the observing other cultures. Examin- involves using current archaeo- past and will be applying them to ing the way modern contemporary logical data to reconstruct identi- the archaeological context, espe- subsistence societies utilise their cal representations using similar cially in relation to experimental skills and possessions may provide materials and techniques. Th e aim archaeology. explanation and insight into how of my research is to discover what ancient cultures functioned (Coles forms of knowledge are generated My experiences over the last few 1979: 4). I feel that historical inter- through experimental archaeol- years participating in historical in- pretation would benefi t immeasur- ogy, and how they are acquired , terpretation, which oft en involved ably by looking at the archaeologi- also, to consider how such knowl- living history, have been instru- cal evidence from the viewpoint of edge informs our understanding of mental in my choice of locations both disciplines. the past and how this knowledge is within the heritage industry. I have used. One of the largest domains spent many happy hours at Archae- Because there were no records writ- for the generation and application olink Prehistory Park dressed in a ten in prehistory which could tell of experimental archaeology is woollen tunic, sitting bare-foot in a me about life in that period, I have the heritage industry, which pro- reconstruction. I have to look to the discipline of archae- vides a hugely diverse assortment also participated in experimental ology to provide the data I need

5/2008 euroREA 33  DISCUSSION Linking Experimental Archaeology and Living History in the Heritage Industry

Archaeologists have the hard, la- task, like lighting a fi re (without the er these centres help to further our borious task of excavating remains aid of a box of matches) is beyond understanding of the skills needed from the past, but also require the most of us. Of course, to be able to for life in the past and how they go skill of interpreting their fi nds. Of- do this you need to be taught and about preserving and promoting ten, it is not the artefacts of high information like this would have these skills. How good is the qual- monetary value which are the been readily passed down through ity of the information that is being greatest fi nds, but those of every- generations It does not need to be portrayed? How it is being repre- day objects, used by ordinary peo- written down and the transfer- sented? How much experimental ple, which help to fi ll in the blanks ence of most of the skills would archaeology is being used to ad- about life in the past. have been taught from a young age vance this knowledge? Or is the through hands-on demonstration. centre only being used as a means However, it is not enough to just However, the advancement of tech- of entertainment? unearth these objects and look nology has added to the decline in into their context. Th ey do not tell the demand for many of these skills Prehistory centres are a useful way us anything about when they were and they have been lost. Experi- of helping to give an insight into made, how they were made, who mental archaeology is one way in the past to those who are unable made them or how they were used which we can gain insight into how to envision it through verbal or For this we have to examine anoth- things may have been done. I can- written description alone. How- er area which is expanding within not stress the word ‘may’ enough, ever, are we truly painting a pic- the realm of archaeology – inter- as experimental archaeology is not ture of the past or just present- pretation – and one of the ways to an exact science and only provides ing an ‘idyll’ snapshot of what we help with the interpretation of ar- possibilities in answering hypothe- think it was like? (Sorenson 2000: chaeological fi nds is through ex- ses, but we do not have any way of 65). Are we emphasising the fact perimental archaeology. I am par- verifying the results. enough that this is only what we ticularly interested in the way we think it may have been like. I am can gain knowledge by looking at Over the last few years, thanks to absolutely certain that these plac- what is left behind, whether it is a programmes like and es off er the chance to experience dwelling or an implement of some the new Ray Mears series, there has sights, sounds and skills that are description, then trying to con- been a great revival of public inter- no longer the norm and learn- struct something similar using the est in the past Th is growing band of ing from a ‘hands on’ perspective technologies available in prehisto- ‘armchair archaeologists’ has also is oft en more valuable and lasting ry. What is interesting is looking at impacted on another phenomenon than reading about them. What I the various diff erent ways this can – ‘prehistory centres’. Th ese are cen- am most interested in is to see if be achieved and hoping that the tres where periods of local (pre) these centres are a valid way of physical act of reconstruction can history are reconstructed and act- enhancing our knowledge of past off er a previously unseen or un- ed out either for entertainment or skills through hands on activity or thought-of insight into the actions educational purposes. Th ey vary in whether they are holding back the of our ancestors. size, historical period and quality advancement of our knowledge, of recreated structures, but the one through lack of coordinated ex- Many of the skills and local knowl- thing that they have in common is perimentation and analysis of re- edge of life in the past have been that they are imparting information sults and a reluctance to progress lost over time. Even the most sim- about the past. My research is pri- and revise when new information ple (and I use this term loosely!) marily based on looking at wheth- becomes available.

For my research I chose four cen- tres in Britain and abroad to study how they go about gathering infor- mation about the past and how they pass that information on. I spent four weeks at two well-established centres – Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire, England and Lejre His- torical-Archaeological Centre in Denmark, both of which have been going for over thirty years. I also se- lected the Scottish Crannog Centre in Perth and of course Archaeolink Prehistory Centre in Aberdeen- shire, Scotland; both of which have been running for ten years or more. It was to my advantage that I have three years working experience as a Historical Interpretation Assist- ant and a university degree which Q Butser Repairing walls of large roundhouse incorporated a great deal of prehis-

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Q Butser Iron Age Farm and Livestock Q Butser Re-daubing small roundhouse tory. I was, therefore, able to quick- drawings showed a hole in the roof few, if any, information signs, so ly join in with the daily working to let smoke out. Th e staff at But- unless a member of staff is working routine aft er brushing up on local- ser explained to me how Reynolds in the vicinity there is no one in any ised knowledge. Th is was extremely proved that the draught from the particular spot to give out informa- helpful in gaining fi rsthand expe- door would turn the hut into a fur- tion. Th is can oft en be frustrating rience of how the centres function nace and it would catch alight very for the public, but the staff is won- from the inside. However, initially I quickly. He showed by constructing derful and generous with their time took the time at each centre to fi rst round houses that the smoke would and information. visit it as a paying customer would, fi lter slowly through the thatch. An- to give myself an unbiased, outside other important aspect of Butser is I was able to assist in helping out point of view. that things are allowed to naturally with a visit from a local school and age and decay over time. Th e struc- was able to see fi rst-hand the qual- tures are not expected to be over- ity and ability in which the infor- Butser Ancient Farm ly maintained or kept in a pristine mation was imparted to the chil- My fi rst placement was in April fashion. Reynolds wanted to see dren by the staff . It is impossible 2006 at Butser Ancient farm near how these structures functioned not to notice the enthusiasm and Portsmouth in Hampshire. It was and endured over time as they pos- interest the children have in being set up in 1972 by the late Peter sibly would have centuries ago (Rey- part of a ‘hands-on’ learning expe- Reynolds, who wanted to create a nolds 1999: 131) Th erefore, Butser is rience, something which I observed site for education and scientifi c re- a continually evolving site. is a common occurrence at all the search into the late Iron Age (400 centres I have visited. Also, thanks BC to AD 400). Th e other important aspect of to the meticulous nature of Pe- Reynolds’s work is the fact that he ter Reynolds, any experimentation Reynolds established himself as one chose to reconstruct roundhouses has continued to be scientifi cally of the world’s leading experimen- and a Roman villa, using the exact logged for future reference by any tal archaeologists and he was keen dimensions and information from interested parties. One of the high- to make sure that his site was there local archaeological sites. Th is is a lights of my stay was the re-daubing for the main purpose of furthering chance to see these structures in a of one of the smaller roundhouses. our knowledge of the past and not threedimensional form, something I took part in taking the old daub to be used as purely public enter- that many people are not able to off the outside wall, mixing it with tainment venue (Reyolds 1999: 126). visualise from the archaeological water to make it muddy again and Most importantly, he was very sci- remains that are usually only left at then re-daubing the structure. Th en entifi c in his approach to the experi- ground level. I got the job of painting it with a ments carried out at Butser and me- lime wash to make it white I man- ticulously logged his experiments At Butser there is no living history aged to hone my daubing technique and the results. Th ese have been taking place, unless it is for a spe- and was able to look at the success- published and are easily accessible. cial event. Th ere are no costumed es and failures of previous re-daub- His experiments with roundhouses guides and the staff wear a t-shirt ings over old and painted daub. I have been the blueprint for many or sweatshirt with the Butser logo feel that being able to experience other sites and have shown that re- to distinguish themselves from the the textures, smells and techniques construction is a valuable tool in public. Th ere are no guided tours of daubing fi rst hand gave me a far learning about the past. For exam- and the public can wander around better insight than any text on the ple, previously many reconstruction the centre at their leisure. Th ere are subject

5/2008 euroREA 35  DISCUSSION Linking Experimental Archaeology and Living History in the Heritage Industry

Q Crannog Making fire with bow drill Q The Scottish Crannog Centre View of crannog from shore

The Scottish guide demonstrates several skills construction was superb and who- Crannog Centre ranging from wood-turning, stone- ever gave the tour provided accu- drilling, spinning wool, grinding rate and interesting information. Next, I spent two weeks in May grain and fi re-making. Aft er the Although more organised and and September at the Scottish demonstrations by the guide are more formal than Butser, the in- Crannog Centre, which is situ- over the public are then free to formation is readily available and ated on the banks of Loch Tay in try their skills out. Th e guides at the public have the opportunity to Perthshire. Th e crannog is an ex- the crannog centre wear a woollen try out various Iron Age technolo- ample of an ancient loch dwelling, tunic over their own clothes and gies However, it has to be said that which has been based on underwa- the result is an odd mixture of the Butser has a more natural and au- ter archaeological evidence from old and the new I went out on the thentic feel and you can have the the Oakbank crannog site in Loch tours with each of the guides and chance to sit in a roundhouse on Tay, at a place nearby called Fear- it is clearly evident early on where your own, away from any modern nan (Dixon 2004: 107) Work be- their particular interests lie. For surroundings, unlike the crannog. gan on the crannog construction example, one of the guides is from Part of the problem is that whilst in 1994 and was fi nally opened to a farming background and has ex- Butser has a large site to spread it- the public in July 1997. Th e visitors tensive knowledge about animals; self over and is in a secluded ru- centre was opened in the Spring of another was more knowledgeable ral area, the Crannog Centre is on 2000, where they exhibit many of about plants and herbs. Th e guides’ a smaller site in the heart of a busy the original artefacts found at the knowledge of the crannog and its countryside community. Oakbank site, display information and set up short videos of the un- derwater archaeology.

Th e staff takes the public on guid- ed tours, works in the shop and carries out any maintenance that needs to be done. Unlike Butser the public are only allowed to vis- it the crannog as part of a guided tour. Th is is mainly due to safety reasons, as there are a maximum number of people allowed in the crannog at any one time. Th e tours run about every forty-fi ve minutes, depending on demand, and last about forty-fi ve minutes. Th e fi rst fi ft een minutes are unsupervised in the exhibition centre, and then a guide takes the tour party out onto the crannog and explains about its construction and life in the Iron Age. Finally, back on shore, the Q Crannog Thatching demonstration

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Q Experimental Centre Lejre 18th century farmhouse cooking Q Lejre Wild boar and their offspring

Historical-Archaeological years experience and have been at Iron Age, Viking Market, 17th cen- Experimental Centre the forefront of developing experi- tury country cottages and the work- mental archaeology. Researchers shops. All are set apart from each in Lejre from across the world are invited other and the natural habitat helps In June/July 2006 I spent four weeks to take part in on-site experiments to give you the impression that you at the Historical-Archaeological (there was a fl int knapping festival have stepped back in time. Th ere is Experimental Centre in Lejre, Den- week when I was there). Th e data usually a permanent staff of about mark. Th e centre was opened in from these experiments is careful- ten, made up of academics, secre- May 1964 by Hans-Ole Hansen on ly recorded and a copy is then held taries, area managers and craft speo- fi ft y hectares of land donated by in the centre’s vast reference library. ple Th ey can sometimes employ up Count Knud Holstein-Ledreborg, Th ey were also aware, very early on, to fi ft y additional staff during the with the sole aim of scientifi c ar- of the importance of the ‘hands-on’ main season, depending on how chaeological experimentation (Ras- method of learning and the eff ect of much funding is available. Oft en mussen & Grønnow 1999: 137). being able to handle re-constructed these people are students studying Within the fi rst three years an Iron objects and not just view them from in related subjects and so have good Age village had been construct- behind a sheet of glass. background knowledge of the area ed and a number of experimental to which they are assigned. workshops had been established – Th e centre is set in an enormous pottery and textiles in particular. area of beautiful landscape, with fi ve What is so impressive about the Like Butser they have over thirty main areas of interest – Stone Age, centre, apart from the sheer size, beautiful location and quality of structures is the attention to detail. Th ey are extremely careful about making sure that if they do some- thing or dress in period costume that it is as accurate as possible. Af- ter two weeks observing how the centre functioned I was allowed to participate with the families staying in the Iron Age Village. Th ey stay for one week at a time and must remain in character and costume whilst the centre is open to visitors. Th e aim of their week is to go about the daily life of the village and possibly learn- ing a new skill or do some repair work. It is fascinating for visitors to see people preparing and cooking their food, sometimes being off ered a taste. Th e fact there is a range of age groups adds authenticity, as there would have been children in a Q Lejre Re-enacting an Iron Age bog burial ceremony real Iron Age village.

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Q Archaeolink Prehistory Park Wooden Henge and Q Archaeolink Iron Age Roundhouse and Farm Stone Circle Archaeolink ment in experimental archaeology using prehistoric techniques, which Prehistory Park by inviting interested academics to are usually discovered through ex- work alongside them on various perimentation Although Lejre and For the remainder of the season I projects. One such project was the Butser were established initially as was back at work at Archaeolink building of a huge Mesolithic boat places for scientifi c research into Prehistory Park in Oyne, Aber- from animal skins. It was success- the area of experimental archaeolo- deenshire. Archaeolink was opened fully launched off the coast of Banff - gy, neither can function without the ten years ago at the foot of Berry- shire in the summer of 2006 at the revenue that education and tourism hill in Oyne. On the hill behind the Portsoy Boat Festival, and stayed brings due to poor funding oppor- park there are archaeological re- afl oat! Archaeolink realise the im- tunities from the government and mains of a roundhouse and at the portance of experimental archaeol- private charitable institutions. top of the hill there are prehistoric ogy and are keen to be part of this remains of a defensive earthwork. developing subject. So, how important is experimental Th is makes it an ideal area to pro- archaeology in the heritage indus- mote local prehistory. It is also in Conclusion try? To learn about the present we the shadow of Bennachie, where it need to understand the past. Not is claimed the Battle of Mons Grau- Th e centres I have been using for my just the big events or the famous pius took place in 84AD when the research put local historical knowl- people in history, but how people Romans fought with local Celtic edge into a physical context, which functioned at all levels of society tribes On the park there are several caters for education and tourism in and how progressive changes over areas which start at the Mesolith- order to produce revenue Th e his- time have shaped life today. Experi- ic and Neolithic periods, there is a torical constructions at all of the mental archaeology helps to fi ll in Bronze Age forge, a Roman march- sites are predominately based on lo- the gaps in our knowledge of the ing camp and fi nally, the Iron Age cal archaeological evidence and are past. By being able to try out ideas roundhouse and farm. built with locally sourced materials based upon archaeological infor-

Th e Park is run by the Interpreta- tion Team, who provides one-hour tours in the morning and aft ernoon, depending on demand, imparting interesting information about each of the sites and the local history in- volved. Eff orts are made to dress in the appropriate period, although they are not as strict as in Lejre.

Like Lejre and the Crannog Cen- tre there is a great emphasis placed on education through entertain- ment and there are many dedicated events throughout the year, albeit with an historical fl avour. Over the last two years the management has tried to push forward their involve- Q Archaeolink Main Visitor Centre

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mation, and putting it in a histori- ment of technology. However, there experimental archaeology be fully cally based context it will, perhaps, has been, over the last few years, a explored without the social inter- give us a better idea of how life may great revival of interest in these an- action that living history requires? have been. For those wishing to cient techniques and experimental Can we just build a structure or participate in historical interpre- archaeology has gone a long way copy an artefact without looking at tation, experimental archaeology to fi ll in some of the gaps in our the human element? can show that there are numerous knowledge By demonstrating these interpretations of the remains that ecologically-friendly skills, heritage Further, what is the value of a guid- archaeology unearths in order to centres are enhancing the learning ed tour as compared to being left recreate artefacts or structures By experience through visual stimula- to one’s own devices? Does loca- using this knowledge heritage cen- tion and the promotion of sound tion play a strong part in getting tres can provide information and environmental practices. the right “feel” for the period being entertainment through living his- portrayed? Do the public ask the tory and replication. Why was it important to visit and same questions at each centre, re- experience the four diff erent cen- gardless of whether or not a guided Th e fact that visits from schools tres? tour was provided? and other educational facilities pro- vides a signifi cant part of the cen- Although all four sites are basically Peter Stone and Philippe Planel tres’ revenue shows the realisation trying to do the same thing – pro- argue in their article in ‘Th e Con- that from a pedagogical point of vide information about the past – it structed Past’ (1999: 1), that it is not view this is a good way to provide was interesting to see their diff er- enough just to build a construction. information about the past. Teach- ences and similarities and the ques- Th ey point out that archaeology al- ers are aware that this is a subject tions these raised as part of my re- lows for a number of possible inter- where text book learning can be search, for example: pretations, therefore any informa- enhanced through hands-on activ- tion off ered should stress that it is ity. Educators and the wider public Th e importance of being in cos- only one of, perhaps, many varia- are no longer content to view their tume or not? Given the variation in tions. What is important is for the history from behind a glass panel, levels of costume between the cen- construction to stimulate the visitor but want closer contact with prehis- tres, this is a broad area of research into wanting to know more about it toric artefacts (Merriman 2004: 88) Do costumes add or detract from Whether the vividness of history However, they are valuable, yet vul- the overall picture the centre is try- can be portrayed by a guide or a liv- nerable to wear and tear, so replicas ing to create? Does the costume ing history actor surely depends on and constructions can create an his- help to visualise the past or diff er- their knowledge base, not the outfi t torical context, without damaging entiate and alienate the guide from they are wearing? However, a cos- the originals, allowing the genera- the visitor? Who is perceived to tumed guide can help to stimulate tion of inter-generational skills to be the more knowledgeable, those the visitor’s mental imagery. What be passed on and the generation of with a costume or those without? is important is that some sort of in- new input and ideas from a young- Is it better to have no costume than teraction is taking place between er perspective. Th ere is nothing like one that is not historically accurate? the visitor and the structure or ar- children to put a whole new slant Does wearing a costume create an tefact. Without it they become a on an old idea! By watching the in- empathy that helps with the process static display like those found in teraction of the children and the ar- of experimental archaeology? museums. Th e fact is that these tisans it may give a broader insight centres require continuing experi- into the various processes of learn- In fact, do we really need living his- mentation to develop the informa- ing, which demonstrate how skills tory to bring to life what is learned tion from new archaeological evi- have been handed down from mas- by experimental archaeology, or can dence in order for them to evolve ter to novice and from the old to the young throughout time.

Interest in traditional craft s and skills ensures these centres have a place within the growing tourist in- dustry (Vergo 2000: 61). Further- more, an increased awareness of green issues and sustainability, and the resulting quest for knowledge into skills that are less intrusive and damaging to the environment has led many people to look to the past. Our ancestors relied on the land for survival and knew the impor- tance of treating their environment with care and respect. Much of the traditional skills and knowledge were replaced with the advance- Q The Scottish Crannog Centre Bow lathe demonstration

5/2008 euroREA 39  DISCUSSION Linking Experimental Archaeology and Living History in the Heritage Industry

To undertake this experimentation Archaeology. London: Academic Press Inc. Summary they need to generate revenue and Dixon, Nicholas. 2004. Th e Crannogs of by providing living history, through Scotland: An Underwater Archaeology. Die Verbindung von Experimenteller Ar- Brimscombe Port Stroud: Tempus chäologie und „Lebender Geschichte“ in what is learned by the experimental der Kulturwirtschaft archaeology, they are able to pro- Publishing Ltd. Gordon Childe, V. 1956. Piecing Together Prähistorische Zentren oder Archäoparks vide education and entertainment the Past. London: Routledge & Kegan in order to achieve this goal. befassen sich aus Unterhaltungs- oder Paul Ltd. Bildungsgründen mit der Rekonstruk- Harding, A. F. (ed.). 1999. Experiment and tion bestimmter Perioden der örtlichen In my view the importance of the Design: Archaeological Studies in honour (Ur-)Geschichte. Wie stark aber wird die work being done in these centres of John Coles. Oxford: Oxbow Books. Experimentelle Archäologie genutzt, um will only be appreciated when ex- Hudson, Kenneth. 1981. A Social History Wissen zu verbreiten? Die Zentren und perimental archaeology is readily of Archaeology: Th e British Experience. Archäoparks, die in der Studie untersucht recognised as a valid and valuable London: Th e MacMillan Press Ltd. wurden, bringen Th emen der lokalen Ge- subject within archaeology. Th is can Ingersoll, Daniel, Yellen, John E., schichte in einen dinglichen Kontext, der be helped by putting it on a more MacDonald, William (eds.). 1977. edukativen und touristischen Zwecken Experimental Archaeology. New York: scientifi c basis (making sure of a dient, um Einnahmen zu erzielen. Die his- Columbia University Press. torischen Konstruktionen aller Einrichtun- clear hypothesis, logging methods Jewell, P.A. (ed.). 1963. Th e Experimental and results). At present it is oft en gen basieren vor allem auf Erkenntnissen Earthwork on Overton Down Wiltshire der lokalen Archäologie und sind unter put in the category of hobby, with 1960. London: Th e British Association for Anwendung urgeschichtlicher Techni- the image of enthusiastic eccentrics the Advancement of Science. ken, die in den meisten Fällen durch ex- messing about at weekends, or it Leakey, L.S.B. 1934. Adam’s Ancestors: perimentelle Forschungen rekonstruiert being used as a means of entertain- An up-to-date outline of what is known werden konnten, mit vor Ort gewonnenen ment Th e problem of a lack of coor- about the origin of man. London: Baumaterialien errichtet worden. Auch dinated resources has led to people Methuen & Co. Ltd. wenn Lejre und Butser ursprünglich als ‘re-inventing the wheel’, with many Lumley, Robert (ed.). 1995. Th e Museum Orte für wissenschaft liche Forschungen Time Machine. London: Routledge. of the same experiments done over zur Experimentellen Archäologie angelegt McIntosh, Jane. 2003. Th e Practical wurden, so können sie doch ohne die Ein- and over again. Th is in itself is not Archaeologist: How we know what we a problem, as there is no one true nahmen aus den pädagogischen Program- know about the past. London: Th ames men und dem touristischen Angebot nicht method of achieving a result, and as and Hudson Ltd. existieren. in present life there are many diff er- Merriman, Nick (ed.). 2005. Public Archaeology. London: Routledge. ent ways to do something. Howev- Insérer l’archéologie expérimentale et Rasmussen, Marianne, and Bjarne er, what is needed is a way of getting l’Histoire vivante dans l’industrie patri- Grønnow. 1999. Th e Historical- a dedicated network of informa- moniale tion started, so people are able to Archaeological Experimental Centre see what is currently happening in at Lejre, Denmark: 30 years of Les centres de la Préhistoire ou autres ar- experimenting with the past. In Peter chéoparcs restituent la (pré)histoire locale the subject. Th ere also seems to be Stone and Philippe G. Planel (eds.) dans un double objectif ludique et péda- an air of distrust within the herit- Th e Constructed Past: Experimental gogique. Quel est l’apport de l’archéologie age industry with sometimes what archaeology, education and the public. expérimentale dans l’avancée des connais- appears to be an obsessive fear of London: Routledge: 136-145. sances ? Les centres et archéoparcs utilisés passing on information. Visits to Renfrew, Colin. 2007. Prehistory: Making comme terrains de recherche permettent other sites are oft en undertaken like of the Human Mind. London: Weidenfeld de replacer les connaissances historiques an MI5 espionage mission! I think & Nicolson. dans un contexte concret, qui contribue à la far more can be gained by sharing Renfrew, Colin, and Paul Bahn. 2004. formation et au tourisme, générateur de re- information. I know I learned so Archaeology: Th eories, Methods and venus. Les reconstitutions historiques dans much last year by being able to work Practice. Fourth Edition. London: la plupart de ces sites reposent principale- Th ames & Hudson Ltd. ment sur des témoignages archéologiques alongside skilled artisans, which is Reynolds, Peter. 1999. Butser Ancient locaux et sont construites avec des maté- exactly what would have happened Farm, Hampshire, UK. In Peter Stone and riaux locaux et avec des techniques préhis- in the past. Whether the knowledge Philippe G. Planel (eds.) Th e Constructed toriques, gestes qui sont le plus souvent re- is passed on through living histo- Past: Experimental archaeology, trouvés grâce à l’expérimentation. Bien que ry, costume wearing or otherwise, education and the public. London: Lejre et Buster aient été initialement créés what is important is that people are Routledge: 124- 135. comme des terrains d’expériences pour les able to access and experience this Sorenson, Colin. 2000. Th eme Parks and scientifi ques, aucun ne pourrait fonction- unique form of historical informa- Time Machines. In Peter Vergo (ed.) Th e ner sans les revenus que leurs apportent les tion, through hands-on participa- New Museology London: Reaktion Books actions pédagogiques et touristiques. tion, which is aft er all, what real life Ltd: 60-73. Stone, Peter G., Planel, Philippe G. (eds.). is about. 1999. Th e Constructed Past: Experimental Q Carolyn Forrest, having archaeology, education and the public. completed her MA(hons) in Celtic Bibliography London: Routledge. Civilisation at the University of Th omas, Julian (ed.). 2000. Interpretative Aberdeen, is currently completing Ascher, Robert. 1961. ‘Experimental Archaeology London: Leicester University the last year of her reseach PhD Archaeology’, American Anthropologist. Press. New Series 63 (4): 793-816. Trigger, Bruce G. 1989. A History of in the Anthropology Department. Coles, John. 1973. Archaeology by Archaeological Th ought. Cambridge: She is especially interested in the Experiment. London: Hutchinson & Co. Cambridge University Press. value of experimental archaeology Ltd. Vergo, Peter (ed.). 2000. Th e New as a method of archaeological Coles, John. 1979. Experimental Museology London: Reaktion Books Ltd. interpretation of the past.

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