[Archport] History of Experimental Archaeology

[Vera Moitinho <veramoitinho@gmail.com>]

History of Experimental Archaeology

April 12-14, 2013
Lejre, Denmark

Replicative experiment – in which researchers attempt to replicate archaeological artefacts and/or processes to test certain hypotheses or discover information about those artefacts and/or processes – have been a key part of archaeological research since the beginnings of the discipline. However, experiments were (and are) often embedded in wider research, conducted in isolation or not published at all.

This has had a negative affect on experimental archaeology today in several ways. Research is often conducted without reference to, or knowledge of, past experiments. This leads to a constant ‘reinvention’ of the wheel, but without progress or development of knowledge. This is especially true when previous experiments have been conducted by people from other geographical regions or archaeological disciplines. Also, the lack of an established history helps to perpetuate the view that experimental archaeology is a fringe method, both by archaeologists generally and those that practice the method.

The aim of this conference will be to uncover and understand the important role that replicative experiments have played in the development of archaeology, and to also establish a historical context for the issues confronting experimental archaeology today. International speakers are highly encouraged to submit a paper in the hopes of establishing a cross-cultural dialogue concerning the history of experimental archaeology.

Key issues

• Histories of particular research projects / institutions that have employed replicative experimentation;
• Biographies of archaeologists and researchers who have played an important or unidentified role in the development of archaeology through their use of experimental archaeology;
• The general, historical role of experimental research in different countries, geographical regions, and/or archaeological sub-disciplines.

http://exarc.net/meetings/april-2013-history-experimental-archaeology-conference-lejre-dk?goback=.gde_2563084_member_180723405