DOCSLIB.ORG

Forrest Web Version.Indd

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Forrest Web Version.Indd DISCUSSION Q Butser Ancient Farm Iron Age Village Q Experimental Centre Lejre Fishing Stone Age style Linking Experimental Archaeology 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 Hampshire, England, 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- roundhouse 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 Time Team 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- 34 euroREA 5/2008 Linking Experimental Archaeology and Living History in the Heritage Industry DISCUSSION 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.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Archaeological Features of the Iron Age in Southern Britain
    Ouachita Baptist University Scholarly Commons @ Ouachita Honors Theses Carl Goodson Honors Program 1982 Archaeological Features of the Iron Age in Southern Britain Karen V. Wallace Ouachita Baptist University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/honors_theses Part of the Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture Commons Recommended Citation Wallace, Karen V., "Archaeological Features of the Iron Age in Southern Britain" (1982). Honors Theses. 677. https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/honors_theses/677 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Carl Goodson Honors Program at Scholarly Commons @ Ouachita. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors Theses by an authorized administrator of Scholarly Commons @ Ouachita. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE IRON AGE IN SOUTHERN BRITAIN An Honors Independent Study Project Submitted By Karen V. Wallace To The Honors Council 0~ Ouachita Baptist University May 4, 1982 I. INTRODUCTION An OBU Honors Special Studies Grant, matched by a donation from a private source, enabled me to spend five weeks during the summer of 1981 studying British archaeology, particularly that of the Iron Age, at Christ College, Cam­ bridge. After one week of extensive lectures at the college and one week of touring major archaeological sites of the area, five other American students and I spent two and one­ half weeks at the Claydon Pike excavation near Fairford, Gloucestershire. During our stay at the dig the excavation director, Dr. David Miles, and the assistant director~ - Simon Palmer, both of Oxford University and the Oxfordshire Archaeological Unit, delivered several lectures on the Iron A~e, Claydon Pike, and other excavations in the area that dated from the same period.
    [Show full text]
  • Iron Age and a Mobile Roman Population Paper for Britannia By
    ‘Are you local’?1 The ‘indigenous’ Iron Age and a mobile Roman population Paper for Britannia By Richard Hingley, Chiara Bonacchi and Kate Sharpe Abstract The Iron Age and Roman periods are often defined against each other through the establishment of dualities, such as barbarity–civilisation, or continuity–progress. Despite criticisms, dualities remain prevalent in the National Curriculum for schools, television, museum displays and in some academic research. Recent scientific studies on human origins, for example, have communicated the idea of an ‘indigenous’ Iron Age, setting this against a mobile and diverse Roman-period population. There is also evidence for citizens leveraging dualities to uphold different positions on contemporary issues of mobility, in the UK and internationally. This paper discusses the values and limitations of such binary thinking and considers how ideas of ambiguity and temporal distancing can serve to challenge attempts to use the past too directly as an analogy for the present. Keywords: Celtic, heritage, indigenous, Iron Age, dualities, mobility, Roman Britain This article has published in a revised form in Britannia. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. The Author(s) 2018. Published by The Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies 1 Dyson, Gattis, Pemberton and Shearsmith (1999). !1 Introduction2 There is a considerable body of literature on the history of the study of the Iron Age and the reception
    [Show full text]
  • Maidstone Area Archaeological Group, Should Be Sent to Jess Obee (Address at End) Or Payments Made at One of the Meetings
    Maidstone Area Archaeological Group Newsletter, March 2000 Dear Fellow Members As there is a host of announcements, I will hold over the Editorial until the next Newsletter, due in May (sighs of relief all round). David Carder Subscriptions and Membership Cards Subscriptions for the year beginning 1st April 2000 are now due. Please use the renewal form enclosed with this Newsletter, and complete as much as of it as possible - that way we can establish what members' interests really are. Return the form with your cheque by post to Jess Obee (address at end), or hand it with cheque or cash to any Committee Member who will give you a receipt. Renewing members will receive a handy Membership Card with the May Newsletter, giving details of indoor meetings, subscription rates, and contacts. In order to comply with the data protection legislation, we have included on the form a consent that your details may be held on a computer database. This data is held purely for membership administration (e.g. printing of address labels and registration of subscription payments). It will not be used for other purposes, or released to outside parties without your express consent. If you have any queries or concerns over this, please write to the Chairman. Notice of Annual General Meeting - Friday 28th April 2000 This year's AGM will be held at 7.30 pm on Friday 28th April 2000 (not 21st as previously published) at the School Hall, The Street, Detling. The Agenda is as follows : 1. Chairman's welcome 2. Apologies for absence 3.
    [Show full text]
  • QECP and Butser Ancient Farm
    QECP and Butser Ancient Farm Butser Hill is the highest point on the South Downs Way and the descent from the flat summit to Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP) is not to be missed. Tea and cakes in QECP Visitor Centre cafe will give you the energy to cycle through the forest back up to the South Downs ridge above Buriton. Then follows a long gentle descent and a sharp climb through country lanes to Chalton and the fascinating Butser Ancient Farm. The trail starts at the Sustainability Centre above East Meon, grid reference SU676191 , post code GU32 1HR . The distance is 13.2 miles or 21.3 kms with an ascent of 1319 feet or 402 metres. Butser Hill : at 271 metres (889 ft) high this chalk hill is one of the highest points in Hampshire and the highest point on the South Downs ridge. On the flat summit there are panoramic views in all directions. The hill was used for growing wheat but now the only farming activity is sheep grazing. Butser Hill National Nature Reserve is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP) is Hampshire’s biggest Country Park with 2,000 acres of open access woodland and downland set within the South Downs National Park, including the Butser Hill National Nature Reserve. The main facilities of the park are open all year round and include a visitor centre with shop, café, theatre and activity area. There are 2 children play areas, BBQ sites, picnic areas and 20 miles of trails for walking, cycling and horse riding.
    [Show full text]
  • Iron Age Agriculture Reviewed Wessex Lecture I
    I Iron Age Agriculture Reviewed P.J. REYNOLDS MAPhD FsA PROJECT DIRECTOR, BUTSER ANCIENT FARM PROJECT TRUST I ,I F \' l-r t. r-J \\ \ I I Wessex Lecture I COUNCIL FORBRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY GROUP T2 TITE WESSEX LECTURE I983 IRON AGE AGRICULTURE REVIEWED To be invited to present the inaugural lecture of a proposed series of lectures is on the one hand a privilege, on the other a daunting responsibility. The burden lies simply in the possibility that the performance and its reception could conclude rather cournence the concept, This latter is enhanced in that the topic I have chosen has been the special province of Wessex studies, having received considerable attention from a great number of eminent scholars. Not that I propose to conflict with any of my predecessors since the title is ameliorated by some simple explanation. The term review is used entirely in the sense of'looking at againr or even 'looking from a slightly different angle'. It is far from my intention to reexamine the archaeological data as they pertain to Iron Age Agriculture. This has been already achieved, notably by H.C. Bowen and P.J. Fowler whose work is of the highest calibre and the greatest use. My objective is rather to consider these data is such a way that functional and validated hypotheses might be made which us how may been dl allow an insight into agriculture have practised in the first millennium B.C. Naturally within the contexl- of such a lecture rnany of the issues raised will not be fully substantiated in the test by close-knit argument hrith regimented proofs on parade.
    [Show full text]
  • Exploring the Landscape of Stonehenge
    Discovery, innovation and science in the historic environment Exploring the landscape of Stonehenge Issue 06 | Summer 2017 The landscape of Stonehenge This view from Stonehenge across the A303 and part of the Southern WHS project area was taken from a balloon in 2006, marking the centenary of the first aerial photograph of Stonehenge. The photo predates the closure of the A344 and car park next to the stones. 2 | Historic England Research | Issue 6: Summer 2017 © Historic England, Damian Grady, 24379/023, 24 July 2006 Issue 6: Summer 2017 | Historic England Research | 3 I’m delighted to introduce this, the sixth issue of Historic England Research. Given the current, and understandably passionate, debate about how best to manage serious and increasing traffic congestion on the A303 as it crosses the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, the focus on Stonehenge is timely. In this case our focus is not on visitor or traffic management through the site, but instead on how research by Historic England and others is continuing to enhance our understanding and appreciation of the Stonehenge landscape – an important ambition of the World Heritage Site Management Plan. As recent findings at Durrington Walls and south of the A303 demonstrate, and despite this being one of the most intensively studied archaeological landscapes in the country, continuing investment in research is delivering important new insights and narratives. This, in turn, will create even greater public interest, engagement and enjoyment of a monument and landscape that continue to exercise an unparalleled hold on people’s imagination. I hope you enjoy this latest addition to the series and, indeed, previous issues of the magazine – which are available to download from the back issues webpage.
    [Show full text]
  • Motion Analysis for Virtual Heritage Reconstruction
    Material Motion: Motion Analysis for Virtual Heritage Reconstruction Kirk Woolford, University of Sussex [email protected] Stuart Dunn Kings College London [email protected] Abstract Through the AHRC funded, “Motion in Place Platform” project, a number of experiments were conducted to look for quantitative differences in movement in virtual vs material environments. Actors were asked to enact a number of activities hypothesised to have occurred in a British Iron Age roundhouse while wearing inertial motion capture suits. These activities were recorded both in a “virtual” studio (re)construction as well as material (re)construction at Butser Ancient Farm. The data from these experiments was then analysed to look for differences in movement which could be attributed to artefacts and/or environments. This paper explains the structure of the experiments, how the data was generated, how it has been analysed, and what theories may make sense of the data and what conclusions have been drawn about how objects and environments may influence human movement and how a better understanding of movement many help understand empirical remains. Keywords Motion capture data, reconstruction, virtual reality, experimental archaeology 1. Introduction: In British Iron Age domestic culture, there are no historic or material referents to how particular houses were built, how they were used, or how artefacts such as arrowheads or ceramics were made. The corresponding methods must be inferred by a process of logical deduction, and examination of the available empirical evidence. However, how we approach this process of deduction can, and often does, involve a human factor. The reconstruction process in experimental archaeology now has a long tradition of researching and utilizing past methods construction and craft to construct (the term ‘reconstruct’ is explicitly avoided in the literature – see Reynolds 1993) non-extant buildings using those methods.
    [Show full text]
  • Experimental Archaeology
    School of Human & Environmental Sciences Experimental archaeology Developing experimental approaches in archaeology at Reading What is experimental archaeology? All archaeologists study the fragmentary records of past human activities, which have been formed and modified over long timescales. Yet the traces we find often relate to activities and skills with which we are not familiar. These traces therefore need to be inter- preted in terms of past ways of life and presented to the wider public in an accessible, questioning and engaging way. Experimental archaeology has an important contribu- tion to make to the achievement of both of these goals. For example it may help us to understand how a build- ing represented only by postholes was constructed, while experimental replication helps us to understand how things were made and used in the past. In partic- ular the microscopic wear traces produced by known experimental activities can be compared with those found on ancient tools. Experiment also helps us to understand how the archaeological record is formed: how artefacts are transported by rivers, the changes that take place when a soil is buried or an earthwork weathers, and the inclusion of micro-traces in the sediments of archaeological sites as a result of specific activities. Like all rigorous scientific methodologies, archaeo- logical experiments seek to control variables in order to make precise measurements concerning those elements of particular interest or importance. For instance, excavations may be conducted at defined intervals to measure how an earthwork changes over time. The key is that good experiments are those which are carried out to test particular theories or hypotheses about the past.
    [Show full text]
  • Durham Research Online
    Durham Research Online Deposited in DRO: 10 December 2019 Version of attached le: Accepted Version Peer-review status of attached le: Peer-reviewed Citation for published item: Hingley, Richard (2019) 'Egalitarianism in the southern British Iron Age : an 'archaeology of knowledge'.', in Alternative iron ages: social theory from archaeological analysis. Routledge studies in archaeology. Further information on publisher's website: Publisher's copyright statement: This is an Accepted Manuscript of a book chapter published by Routledge in Alternative Iron Ages Social Theory from Archaeological Analysis on 9 September 2019, available online: http://www.routledge.com/9781351012119 Additional information: Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that: • a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in DRO • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Please consult the full DRO policy for further details. Durham University Library, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LY, United Kingdom Tel : +44 (0)191 334 3042 | Fax : +44 (0)191 334 2971 https://dro.dur.ac.uk The (re)construction of Iron Age roundhouses: science and spiritual aura Richard Hingley (draft 27/10/2016) Abstract This paper addresses the Iron Age roundhouses that have been (re)constructed throughout the UK since 1970 and some of the intangible associations that are linked to these structures.
    [Show full text]
  • Iron Age Farm Demonstration Area
    The Butser Ancient Farm Demonstration Area s SSss N( tS f t-.--r sse o: 12 €s 12 *; @ 13 E} t3 '1 7 o o S BUTSER ANCIENT FARM To help you make the most of your visit to the Demonstration Area of ther Butser guide you the '' Ancient Farm Project Trust, this booklet will around various areas to be seen and will explain briefly the purpose behind each one, It is important that you stay on the paths. Please keep away from the edges of the ditch around the compound. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and please DO NOT feed the animals. Please refrain from smoking in the houses Postcards, information packs and further literature are available from the museum shop located on the site and from the Oueen Elizabeth Park Centre, lntroduction The Butser Ancient Farm Project Trust is unique in British and World Archaeology in that it sets out to reconstruct and operate an lron Age Farm dating to approximately 300 B.C. By using evidence from archaeological excavations, field work, documentary sources, the writings of the Greek and Roman authors about Britain and the Celts, the purpose is to recreate a working unit. ln this way it is possible to test the explanations and theories raised upon archaeological evidence. ln reality the Ancient Farm is a huge open-air scientific laboratory for research into prehistoric archaeology and agriculture. This demonstration area has been developed by the Butser Ancient Farm Project Trust in association with Oueen Elizabeth Country Park, so that the work of the Ancient Farm can be seen and explained to a wider audience.
    [Show full text]
  • Online Journal in Public Archaeology
    ISSN: 2171-6315 Volume 1 - 2011 Editor: Jaime Almansa Sánchez www.arqueologiapublica.es AP: Online Journal in Public Archaeology AP: Online Journal in Public Archaeology is edited by JAS Arqueología S.L.U. AP: Online Journal in Public Archaeology Volume 1 -2011 p. 29-43 Forty years of ‘Archaeology for children’ Sergio MORENO TORRES Serveis Educatius de les Pitiuses S. Coop. Nicholas MÁRQUEZ-GRANT Institute of Human Sciences, School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford Abstract The last 40 years have seen an increase in outreach activities, many primarily targeted to children, in archaeology. This outreach has benefited both the discipline of archaeology as well as public education. Several projects have pioneered the development of ‘archaeology for children’ in recent decades and have narrowed the gap between heritage and the public. An overview of these developments is presented in this paper. Particular reference is made to the work undertaken in schools and museums, by associations and archaeological companies, as well as the promotion of archaeology through the media. Examples are drawn especially from the United Kingdom and Spain. Key words Education, Public Outreach, Archaeology, United Kingdom, Spain Introduction There is an ever increasing trend for museums, public institutions, private companies and even research centres to promote archaeology to children. Not only does archaeology present a number of advantages for child development (Dyer 1983; Durbin et al. 1990; Stone and Molyneaux 1994; Henson 1997; Owen and Steele 2001; Steele and Owen 2003) and providing an awareness of time and sense of chronology, learning about everyday lives and other times and cultures, developing an interest to know more, expanding vocabulary and developing skills including recognition, handling, observation, discussion, comparing; S.
    [Show full text]
  • Unit 1: Prehistoric Britain
    Unit 1: Prehistori c Britain ← Pre-inhabitance 800,000BCE – 43CE Roman Britain → Period Overview The Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age covers 98% of human history in Britain. The evolution of humans from the earliest hominins to Homo sapiens occurred in this period. Some of the major advances in technology were achieved during this period, including the control of fire, agriculture, metalworking and the wheel. The earliest sign of humans is marked by footprints of Homo antecessor on a beach at Happisburgh in Norfolk dated to 800,000 years ago. Traditionally the end of the Iron Age is marked by the second Roman invasion under Claudius in 43CE. The useful term prehistory was coined by a Scottish archaeologist, Daniel Wilson, in 1851 to refer to this time before written history. The main way to study this period is through archaeology. Life in Prehistoric Britain Changing Times For most of prehistory people who lived in Britain were During the first 790,000 years of human activity in hunter-gatherers. During the Ice Ages they hunted Britain, the climate oscillated between Ice Ages and woolly mammoth, reindeer and wild horses and, as the interstadial warm stages. Britain was usually connected climate warmed, new species such as red deer, roe to the continent by a land bridge, but this was deer, aurochs (wild cattle) and wild pig. The warmer periodically flooded. The last time this happened was climate also brought more plant life to forage, 6000BCE. The earliest hearth in Britain was found at including fruit, nuts, berries, mushrooms and leafy Beeches Pit in Suffolk, and also dates to about 400,000 plants.
    [Show full text]