Envaluing past practice : a framework for the spatial analysis of metalworking in first millennium BC Britain
This thesis explores how current understandings of craft have largely restricted its analysis to the domains of material and technique. Through a critique of existing approaches to space and a reconfiguring of what constitutes craft practice, it is argued that space needs to be considered as a vital element of craft and may benefit from being considered as a technological choice. Having reconsidered the role of space, the thesis reviews and explores approaches and methods to characterising space in both archaeological and experimental contexts. The study engages with a number of analytical techniques including geophysical and geochemical methods to develop approaches to the characterisation of space in both experimental and archaeological case studies. It is argued that the study of space and its inhabitation offers the potential to unite experimental and conventional archaeological excavation on a continuum of exploration that emphasises the active use of space and in craft contexts, encourages the use of dynamic reconstruction. A number of analytical constructs are advocated so as to allow the better use of spatial characterisation in archaeological syntheses. Ideas of technical routines and the signatures
Slater, Jessica L.
Envaluing past practice : a framework for the spatial analysis of metalworking in first millennium BC Britain. This thesis explores how current understandings of craft have largely restricted its analysis to the domains of material and technique. Through a critique of existing approaches to space and a reconfiguring of what constitutes craft practice, it is argued that space needs to be considered as a vital element of craft and may benefit from being considered as a technological choice. Having reconsidered the role of space, the thesis reviews and explores approaches and methods to characterising space in both archaeological and experimental contexts. The study engages with a number of analytical techniques including geophysical and geochemical methods to develop approaches to the characterisation of space in both experimental and archaeological case studies. It is argued that the study of space and its inhabitation offers the potential to unite experimental and conventional archaeological excavation on a continuum of exploration that emphasises the active use of space and in craft contexts, encourages the use of dynamic reconstruction. A number of analytical constructs are advocated so as to allow the better use of spatial characterisation in archaeological syntheses. Ideas of technical routines and the signatures
past practice framework spatial_analysis metalworking first_millennium britain explores current understanding craft largely restricted analysis domains material_technique critique exist approach space constitutes craft_practice argue space need_consider vital element craft may benefit consider technological_choice reconsider role space review explores approach method characterise space archaeological experimental context study_engage number analytical_technique include geophysical geochemical method_develop approach characterisation space experimental_archaeological case_study argue study space inhabitation offer potential unite experimental conventional archaeological_excavation continuum exploration emphasis active use_space craft context encourage use dynamic reconstruction number analytical construct advocate allow well use spatial characterisation archaeological synthesis ideas technical routine signature