2024/04/16 by Silje Evjenth Bentsen · 1 voice
Social Sciences · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology #Archaeology and ancient environmental studies #Conservation Techniques and Studies
paper · doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190854584.013.325
openalex publication_date 2024/04/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/04
Abstract Scientific definitions of “experimental archaeology” emphasize key words such as exploring, testing, and imitation. Archaeological data and observations are key elements in experiments, whether the researcher is testing hypotheses derived from archaeological deposits or objects, innovative approaches to documentation and excavation, or the formation of and post-depositional processess affecting the archaeological record. Experiments can be conducted in sterile laboratory settings, with strict control of variables and materials, or in actualistic settings replicating the conditions of the prehistoric settings. Laboratory and actualistic experiments are complementary, allowing testing of different aspects of hypotheses and materials, and it is often essential to explore an archaeological phenomenon through experiments in both settings. Studying fire-cracked rocks and heating of different rock types, for example, can benefit from both heating experiments in a laboratory furnace, allowing observations of temperature thresholds for thermal alterations, and an open-air fire, allowing recording of how a live fire with temperature changes and smoke affects rocks. A third type of experiment is digital, made possible through virtual models and allowing one to replicate and test multiple variables within a controlled setting. Experimental archaeology also includes non-academic approaches to exploring the past. It contains elements educational both for the person(s) conducting the experiments and for people watching, reading, or in other ways learning about the experiment and its results. Some experiments are experiential—that is, re-enactments or performances. These re-enactments can be part of an educational program, such as demonstrating prehistoric living conditions at an open-air museum, or they may be initiated by, and important to, the experience of the re-enactors. Experiential archaeology has elements of perceived time travel and can be a recreational activity.