4th June 2010, 01:41 PM
Indeed archaeology is about evidence so as archaeologists our duty is to record that evidence to the best our abilities.
I don’t imagine the early archaeological pioneers dreamt of DNA analysis or C14 and there may be technologies in the future beyond our ability to imagine.
Ways of modelling the interpretation of the evidence also change as society changes. The past is not fixed it has gone and can only be accessed through the mirror of the present.
Until the invention of the time machine we cannot say that any interpretation is final and even then (unless the time machine enables you to experience the world view of the person who created the evidence) whole sections of the why and wherefore of the past are forever beyond our grasp.
This is what I like about archaeology I know I may never be able to understand the past but I can touch it and it touches me. Over thousands of years there is still a direct relationship between me and those long dead generations behind me.
I am aware for some societies the past is not dead but a living part of their daily existence and for them archaeology may be totally irrelevant or even a blasphemy. Sometimes I envy them.}
Terry Prachett has it right, Man is the Story Telling Ape and those stories have their own driving force. (never let the facts get in the way of a good story:face-stir
I don’t imagine the early archaeological pioneers dreamt of DNA analysis or C14 and there may be technologies in the future beyond our ability to imagine.
Ways of modelling the interpretation of the evidence also change as society changes. The past is not fixed it has gone and can only be accessed through the mirror of the present.
Until the invention of the time machine we cannot say that any interpretation is final and even then (unless the time machine enables you to experience the world view of the person who created the evidence) whole sections of the why and wherefore of the past are forever beyond our grasp.
This is what I like about archaeology I know I may never be able to understand the past but I can touch it and it touches me. Over thousands of years there is still a direct relationship between me and those long dead generations behind me.
I am aware for some societies the past is not dead but a living part of their daily existence and for them archaeology may be totally irrelevant or even a blasphemy. Sometimes I envy them.}
Terry Prachett has it right, Man is the Story Telling Ape and those stories have their own driving force. (never let the facts get in the way of a good story:face-stir