An Archaeology of Skill: Metalworking Skill and Material Specialization in Early Bronze Age Central Europe

ISBN-13: 9781138718098 / Angielski / Twarda / 2017 / 318 str.

Maikel Kuijpers

Opis

An Archaeology of Skill identifies skill as the linchpin of – and missing link between – studies on craft, creativity, innovation, and material culture. Through a detailed study of early bronze age axes the book explores what it involves to be skilled, providing an evidence based argument about levels of skill.

The ideas developed here relate to the emerging trend of ‘material thinking’ in social sciences. At the same time, it looks towards and augments the development in craft-studies, recognising the many different aspects of craft in contemporary and past societies. Drawing together these two distinct fields will stimulate (re)thinking of how to integrate production with discussions of other aspects of object biographies, and link arguments about value to social models.

Recenzje

"An archaeology of skill will foster a new consideration of archaeological objects from the perspective of the objects’ making and provide new insights into objects beyond usual data points of metal content and find context, which reflect only one moment in an object’s life. A focus on skill also allows new conclusions about makers’ intentions, object purpose and use, change over time, and may provide insight into technological innovation. Scholars from many disciplines, including the history of craft,  anthropology, and material culture, will appreciate this book because it enables the assessment and discussion of skill in an empirical manner." - Pamela H. Smith, Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute