Define Archaeological Anthropology. Briefly Discuss its main divisions.
Define Archaeological Anthropology:-Archaeological
anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that combines archaeology and
biological anthropology to study the human past. It involves the study of human
behavior and culture through the material remains left behind by past
societies, such as artifacts, structures, and other physical evidence..
Examples of tools made using the Oldowan technique include
simple flake tools, choppers, scrapers, and hammerstones. These tools were
often small and could be used for a variety of tasks such as cutting meat,
scraping hides, and digging roots.
Examples of tools made using the Acheulian technique include
handaxes, cleavers, and picks. Handaxes were multipurpose tools that could be
used for cutting, scraping, and digging. Cleavers were used for chopping and
cutting meat, while picks were used for digging and breaking hard materials.
Examples of tools made using the Levallois technique include
Levallois flakes and points. Levallois flakes were standardized flakes of
predetermined size and shape, while points were used for hunting and piercing.
Examples of tools made using the Mousterian technique include scrapers, points, and knives. Scrapers were used for scraping hides and cleaning animal bones, while points and knives were used for hunting and butchering animals.
Define Archaeological Anthropology: prehistoric archaeology,
historical archaeology, and ethnoarchaeology.
- Prehistoric Archaeology: Prehistoric archaeology focuses on the study of human societies that existed before the invention of writing. This subfield aims to reconstruct the daily lives and cultural practices of early human societies through the analysis of their material remains, such as tools, pottery, and other artifacts. Prehistoric archaeologists use a variety of scientific methods to date archaeological sites, such as radiocarbon dating, dendrochronology, and stratigraphy. They also rely on theoretical frameworks such as cultural evolution and cultural ecology to understand the development of human societies over time.
- Historical Archaeology: Historical archaeology focuses on the study of human societies that existed after the invention of writing. This subfield aims to supplement written historical records with material evidence to provide a more complete understanding of past societies. Historical archaeologists often work on sites associated with colonialism, slavery, and other historical events that have left a physical impact on the landscape. They also work closely with historians and other scholars to contextualize their findings within the broader historical narrative.
- Ethnoarchaeology: Ethnoarchaeology is a relatively new subfield of archaeological anthropology that focuses on the study of contemporary human societies to understand how past societies may have used and interacted with material culture. Ethnoarchaeologists work with living communities to observe and document their material practices, such as how they make tools or construct buildings. This information can then be used to interpret the archaeological record and provide insight into the cultural practices of past societies.
Define Archaeological Anthropology:-In addition
to these three main divisions, there are also several subfields of
archaeological anthropology that focus on more specific aspects of human
behavior and culture. For example, zooarchaeology is the study of animal
remains found at archaeological sites, while bioarchaeology is the study of
human remains. Geoarchaeology is the study of the geological processes that
affect archaeological sites, while underwater archaeology involves the study of
submerged sites and artifacts.
Define Archaeological Anthropology. Briefly Discuss its main divisions:-In
conclusion, archaeological anthropology is a multidisciplinary field that draws
on a variety of scientific methods and theoretical frameworks to understand the
human past. By combining the methods of archaeology and biological anthropology,
archaeological anthropologists are able to reconstruct the cultural practices
and daily lives of past societies, providing valuable insights into the history
of humanity.
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