(apologies for cross-posting)
Cross-material dynamics and Cross-craftsmanship
Ben Roberts ([log in to unmask])
Catherine Frieman ([log in to unmask])
Peter Bray ([log in to unmask])
Format
15-20 minute papers each followed by discussion
Abstract
The increasing specialization in archaeology has
enhanced the traditional tendency to explore societal
and technological change through the somewhat
restricted lens of a single technology or material.
Recent work by anthropologists and archaeologists has
demonstrated the interrelatedness of materials and
technologies both with each other and with the
socio-cultural structure(s) in which they are active.
It is our contention that the nature of
inter-relatedness is the result of people choosing to
use or emphasize specific forms, materials and
techniques that span different materials. Within their
own cultural context, this would have communicated
information to individuals and groups. Thus, we
propose that cross material influences need to be
explored with greater frequency and in greater depth.
When examined in its social and technological context,
cross-craftsmanship and cross material perspectives
provide insight, not only concerning raw materials and
techniques, but also into the sorts of objects people
valued, the physical properties which they preferred
and the technological choices they made to communicate
materially with each other.
We invite papers touching on all aspects of cross
material practices, especially those that explore how
archaeologists can approach the relationships between
different materials and technologies, discuss the
social and technological context of
cross-craftsmanship, especially as it relates to the
movement of ideas and information, and look at how
cross-material research can contribute to broader
debates on the dynamics of societies.
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