Ethnoarchaeology

3 units

Ethnoarchaeologists use studies of aspects of the present to strengthen archaeological interpretation. Since archaeologists don't usually study words, we need to understand relations between human actions and the material record. In this class we will explore ethnoarchaeological studies of a wide range of topics from how things are made, to what they mean, or how we might think differently about the past. Student presentations, class reading, and discussion will examine topics that might include whether reindeer herders think of their animals as domestic or wild, how Australian Aboriginal peoples have or have not used dingoes for hunting, the role of feasts in society or how to make and find beer, ceramics, stone tools, beads or smelt iron. Ways that decoration and construction of pots signify ethnic boundaries or what a mother-in-law teaches a new bride have seen famous ethnoarchaeological studies. We can discuss any aspect of archaeology and will pick topics that fit your interests and the questions that you would like to pursue in your papers and presentations. There are no prerequisites for this class.