Archaeological approaches to technology

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The study of ancient technologies, that is, the ways in which objects and materials were made and used, can reveal insights into economic, social, political, and ritual realms of the past. This book summarizes the current state of ancient technology studies by emphasizing methodologies, some major technologies, and the questions and issues that drive archaeologists in their consideration of these technologies. It shows the ways that technology studies can be used by archaeologists working anywhere, on any type of society and it embraces an orientation toward the practical, not the philosophical. Compares the range of pre-industrial technologies, from stone tool production to glass manufacture ; Case studies show how technological changes affect and are affected by social, political, economic values; Discusses essential terminology (technology, material culture, chaîne opératoire, etc.), primarily from the perspective of how these terms are used by archaeologists.