18 Questions
Define chaine opbratoire according to Cresswell.
Chaine opbratoire is defined as 'a series of technological operations which transforms a raw material into a usable product' by Cresswell.
Why is a linear analysis of how a particular object was made not sufficient according to the text?
A linear analysis is not sufficient because it does not consider the overall context that affects the availability of resources, valuation of techniques, and the reasons behind technological choices.
What does the challenge of 'technological choices' by B. Sillar and M. S. Tire involve?
The challenge involves the manipulation of both tools and raw materials within local cultural perceptions about appropriate ways of working the materials.
What are the key factors that need to be considered to explain why particular technological choices were made?
The availability of resources, valuation of alternative techniques, environmental and technological constraints, economic base, social organization, and belief systems.
How does the overall context influence technological choices?
The overall context influences technological choices by affecting the availability of resources, valuation of techniques, and the material and social effects of those choices.
What does the term 'material and social effects' refer to in the context of technological choices?
Material and social effects refer to the consequences and impacts that technological choices have on both the physical materials and the society.
What is the significance of the large number of ethnographic reports on pottery production and firing?
To appreciate the near-infinite variety of materials and techniques that can be used in the craft.
How is the production of every pot described in the text?
As the unique result of a series of choices between alternative techniques.
What term is used to describe the sequence of steps in the production process of a pot?
Chaine ope'ratoire.
What is the role of archaeologists investigating past technologies according to the text?
To elucidate how the technology worked and how it fitted into the wider cultural context.
How can we gain valuable insights into the decisions involved in relatively common technologies like pottery making?
By questioning the choice of particular techniques and tools used.
Which term is used to refer to the set of choices made by a potter in the selection of materials and techniques?
Choices between alternative techniques.
What is a major challenge to the traditional structure of analytical practices within archaeology?
Interdependence between different activities
Why is it necessary to overcome the separation caused by different specialists analyzing various materials in archaeology?
To analyze the embeddedness of past technologies
What approach in technological analysis in archaeology is believed to lead to a more exciting phase of study?
Critical consideration of the cultural nature of technological choices
What has renewed interest in technological studies within archaeology?
Incorporation of stricter materials science approaches
What conscious effort is required for the incorporation of stricter materials science approaches in the study of technology within archaeology?
A conscious effort
What is the focus of the critical consideration in the cultural nature of technological choices in archaeology?
Technology choices
Discover the vast range of technical possibilities in pottery making through exploring the variety of materials and techniques used. Reflect on the decisions involved in this common technology.
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