Behavioral Archaeology Overview

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Questions and Answers

Who is credited with pioneering Behavioral Archaeology?

  • Ian Hodder
  • Michael Brian Schiffer (correct)
  • Lewis Binford
  • Elizabeth Brumfiel

The Pompeii Premise states that the archaeological record accurately reflects past cultures.

False (B)

What is the main criticism leveled by Post-Processual archaeology against Processual archaeology?

Processual archaeology neglected the cultural context behind the observed behaviors.

The archaeological record is often affected by ____ and ____ processes.

<p>natural, formation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the archaeological approach with its key proponent:

<p>Processual Archaeology = Lewis Binford Post-Processual Archaeology = Ian Hodder and Elizabeth Brumfiel Behavioral Archaeology = Michael Brian Schiffer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these terms is NOT a component of the contextual terminology developed in Behavioral Archaeology?

<p>Tertiary material (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Post-Processual critique emphasizes the passive role of individuals in shaping their own cultures.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Pompeii Premise' refer to?

<p>The assumption that the archaeological record provides a straightforward and complete picture of past cultures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of gender in archaeology before the 1980s?

<p>Research was predominantly directed by heteronormative white men. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Self-reflexivity is indicated as a means to achieve full objectivity in archaeological research.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of 'habitus' in the context of structuralism?

<p>Regular practices or actions of life that individuals do without deep reflection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In structuralism, elements of human culture must be understood in terms of their relationship to a larger, overarching __________.

<p>system or structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Agency = People are active agents of culture Ecological determinism = Explains culture solely based on environmental factors Structuralism = Focus on overarching systems influencing culture Bias = Preconceived notions influencing research interpretations</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which social theorists primarily inspired practice theory?

<p>Bourdieu and Giddens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Culture Resource Management often involves archaeologists being hired by government agencies.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of epistemology according to the Oxford dictionary?

<p>the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A key aspect of working with cultural groups is conducting research that is with, for, and ___ the community.

<p>by</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following approaches with their descriptions:

<p>Community-Based Participatory Research = Research that involves community members in all stages of the project Indigenous Archaeology = Archaeology that centers indigenous perspectives and knowledge Anti-racist Archaeology = Archaeology that actively challenges and addresses racism in archaeological practices Culture Resource Management = Archaeology practiced in collaboration with government agencies</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what can be used in tandem with scientific epistemologies?

<p>Non-scientific (or traditional) epistemologies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Archaeology is solely confined to academic institutions and tourism.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some ways archaeologists can learn from heritage cultural groups beyond just material culture?

<p>By integrating both scientific and non-scientific epistemologies, and through participatory research methods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical issue did processual archaeology overlook?

<p>Historical significance (B), Cultural context (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Full objectivity in archaeological research is completely attainable.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What bias characterized archaeological research before the 1980s?

<p>Heteronormative bias</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before the 1980s, most archaeological interpretation was directed by __________ white men.

<p>heteronormative</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the concepts with their correct descriptions:

<p>Processual Archaeology = Overlooks cultural context Gender Archaeology = Focuses on gender roles in the past Feminist Critique = Challenges male-dominated narratives Self-reflexivity = Awareness of one's biases in research</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of human behavior in archaeology?

<p>Influenced by cultural contexts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Transposing modern concepts of gender onto the past is important for accurate interpretation.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is self-reflexivity important in archaeological research?

<p>It allows researchers to recognize and account for their own biases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what is the primary focus of epistemology?

<p>Understanding the differences between beliefs and opinions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that traditional epistemologies are not relevant to modern archaeological research.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'With, For, and By', with regard to cultural heritage?

<p>Community-based particpation in research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text describes a general movement within archaeology towards __________.

<p>decolonizing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical location was mentioned in connection to community-engaged archaeology?

<p>Yucatán, Mexico (A), Guatemala (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their description as related to the text:

<p>Epistemology = Distinguishes justified belief from opinion Community-Based Participatory Research = Research conducted with, for, and by the community Decolonizing Archaeology = A movement to challenge colonial approaches in the discipline Indigenous Archaeology = Archaeology that values indigenous knowledge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Anti-racist archaeology is not concerned with cultural heritage.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides material culture, what kind of knowledge can be learned from heritage cultural groups according to the text?

<p>Traditional epistemologies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sonya Atalay is primarily known for her work in which area of archaeology?

<p>Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sonya Atalay worked at Catalhoyuk with Ian Hodder.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the book Sonya Atalay co-edited?

<p>Archaeology of the Heart</p> Signup and view all the answers

The map included in the content shows the location of Dolores in ______, Guatemala.

<p>Petén</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following people with their roles or affiliations:

<p>Sonya Atalay = Provost Professor of Anthropology Ian Hodder = Worked with Sonya Atalay at Catalhoyuk Don Juan Pacay = Grassroots Archaeologist of Dolores</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the archaeology being done in Dolores, Guatemala?

<p>It is considered slow archaeology. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Archaeology has remained static and unchanging throughout history.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, who is described as a 'central factor for most human societies'?

<p>Don Juan Pacay</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

New Archaeology

A perspective emphasizing the scientific study of past societies through their material remains and processes.

Lewis Binford

An influential archaeologist known for promoting New Archaeology and behavioral interpretations of artifacts.

Behavioral Archaeology

A logical approach that views artifacts as reflections of past human behavior.

Michael Brian Schiffer

Pioneered Behavioral Archaeology in the 1970s, focusing on the context of artifacts.

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Post-processual critique

A movement highlighting that people are agents of change, influencing culture and interpretations.

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Ian Hodder

An archaeologist known for his contributions to the Post-processual critique and emphasizing cultural context.

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Processual archaeology

An archaeological approach that seeks to understand the processes behind cultural development, often seen as too rigid.

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Contextual terminology

A term related to understanding the background and significance of artifacts within archaeological studies.

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Social Change Context

Social change is influenced by specific historical and cultural situations.

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Human Behavior in Archaeology

Human actions can be irrational and unpredictable, challenging rational approaches.

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Gender Archaeology

A field of study that examines gender roles and identities in past societies.

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Feminist Critique

An analysis that shows how traditional archaeology reflects male biases.

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Heteronormative Bias

The assumption that heterosexuality is the default or norm in research.

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Self-Reflexivity in Archaeology

Awareness of biases and perspectives in one's own research and interpretations.

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Interpretation of Gender

The importance of avoiding modern concepts of gender when analyzing the past.

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Structuralism

A theory that human culture must be understood in relation to larger systems and structures.

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Agency in Culture

The capacity of individuals to act independently and shape their culture.

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Habitus

The ingrained habits, skills, and dispositions that people acquire through their life experiences.

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Self-reflexivity

A practice of examining one's own biases and perspectives during research interpretation.

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Epistemology

The study of justified belief versus opinion.

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Justified Belief

A belief that is supported by evidence or reasoning.

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Community-Based Participatory Research

Research conducted with and for the community, involving community members.

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Indigenous Archaeology

Archaeology that respects and incorporates indigenous perspectives and knowledge.

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Anti-racist Archaeology

Archaeological practices that actively oppose racism and promote inclusivity.

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Decolonizing Archaeology

The movement to remove colonial biases from archaeological practices.

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Material Cultural Heritage

Physical artifacts, objects, and sites that hold cultural significance.

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Community-engaged Archaeology

Archaeology that directly involves community members in the process.

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CBPR

Community-Based Participatory Research, involving community members in research processes.

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Sonya Atalay

An Indigenous archaeologist leading transformation in CBPR practices.

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Catalhoyuk

An important archaeological site in Turkey studied for insights into early human societies.

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Grassroots Archaeology

Archaeological practice driven by community members rather than solely by academic archaeologists.

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Slow Archaeology

An approach that prioritizes long-term, mindful archaeological practices over rapid findings.

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Archaeology of the Heart

A collaborative publication highlighting the intersection of emotions and archaeology.

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Excavators from Dolores

A group involved in archaeological digs in Dolores, Petén, Guatemala.

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Practice Theory

A theory inspired by social theorists like Bourdieu and Giddens that emphasizes the role of social practices in shaping human behavior.

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Culture Resource Management

The practice of managing and protecting cultural resources, often involving archaeologists and government agencies.

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Scientific and Traditional Epistemologies

The combination of scientific methods and traditional knowledge systems to understand and interpret cultural heritage.

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National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

A governmental body focused on reconciliation through acknowledging historical injustices against Indigenous peoples.

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Study Notes

New Archaeology Champion

  • Lewis Binford was a prominent archaeologist (1931-2011)
  • Professor at the University of New Mexico (UNM)

The Pompeii Premise

  • Archaeological records are often influenced by natural processes and formation.
  • Cultural preservation is not always guaranteed in records.

Behavioral Archaeology

  • Pioneered by Michael Brian Schiffer (University of Arizona) in the 1970s.
  • This approach analyzed artifacts to understand past human behavior.
  • The study used a contextual terminology
  • "De-facto material"
  • "Primary material"
  • "Secondary material" were key terms

History of Archaeology, Part 3

  • People participating in archaeological activity are agents of change.
  • Processual archaeology often overlooks cultural influences behind behavior.
  • Social change is influenced by context and culture.
  • Human behavior is not always predictable.

The Post-Processual Critique

  • People are actively shaping their environment
  • Processual archaeology often neglected cultural contexts.
  • Social change is constantly evolving and influenced by historical, situational, and cultural elements.

Gender Archaeology and Feminist Critique

  • Pre-1980s archaeology was often from the perspective of white men.
  • Modern gender concepts should not be applied to the past when interpreting.
  • Objectivity is impossible, but self-reflection is critical.

Structuralism

  • Opposed to environmental determinism.
  • Cultural elements are influenced by overarching systems.
  • Relationships are dynamic between culture and structure.
  • Understanding agency and structure is crucial.

Archaeology Beyond Academia and Tourism

  • Culture Resource Management is central to archaeology outside academe.
  • Archaeology is often hired by government agencies, like the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for various tasks.
  • Archaeologists now learn from cultural groups about their heritage.

Beyond Material Cultural Heritage

  • Traditional and scientific epistemologies can be combined.
  • Archaeologists can learn from other cultures to help understand the past.
  • Traditional methods can open insights into past events.

Community-Based Participatory Research

  • A vital component of archaeological research that collaborates with indigenous populations.
  • Indigenous Archaeology is frequently included in this work.
  • Antiracism is an important element and practice.
  • Aims for inclusion from diverse perspectives

Indigenous Archaeology and CBPR

  • Sonya Atalay, anthropologist, is a leader in transforming collaborative efforts with Indigenous communities.
  • Collaboration helps understand the history and experiences associated.

Archaeology's Transformation

  • Archaeology's practice continues to evolve, greatly affecting the discipline.

Slow Archaeology in Dolores, Petén, Guatemala

  • Archaeological work in Dolores, Petén, Guatemala
  • A more holistic method of understanding the site's history.

Grassroots Archaeologists of Dolores

  • Don Juan Pacay and Mara Reyes are key archaeologists in the region.
  • Their work includes significant field efforts to improve cultural awareness.

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