The Relevance of Merging Fields - What Archaeometry Can’t Tell

Archaeology and natural sciences have a long history of working together. Yet, within the last decades a cascade of new and improved scientific methodologies has somewhat trans-formed current archaeological practice. The accelerated rate at which the field of archae-ological science/archaeometry has developed during the last years, has led to many new cross-disciplinary studies with subsequent publication of the results. Also in archaeological conferences there is a noticeable increase in the number of sessions that either focus on - or include, some form of archaeological science/archaeometry topics. The exponential growth of data stemming from the analyses of a large pallet of archaeological and environmental materials is, however, not without problems. Several scholars have pointed out that there is a need for establishing more integrated forms of collaborations between archaeologists and the natural scientists. I personally agree with this point of view, though, how to move from a multi- or cross disciplinary type of practice to a more transdisciplinary approach seems to be an extremely challenging (and at times even impossible) undertake. An undertake which is made continuously more difficult as more and more methodologies are being used. In this presentation I will reflect upon and discuss this issue, and offer some thoughts based mostly on own experience. What is lacking? What is needed? What can we as archaeometrists/ar-chaeological scientists do to address the issues and concerns raised by archaeologists? Is it enough to find a common language, or are the research questions we pose the key to reach a higher level of mutual integration between the natural sciences and archaeology?
Karin Margarita Frei

Видео The Relevance of Merging Fields - What Archaeometry Can’t Tell канала European Association of Archaeologists