Behavioral Archaeology

Foundations of Archaeological Inquiry

by Michael Brian Schiffer, James M. Skibo (Contributor), William H. Walker (Contributor)

Behavioral archaeology offers a way of examining the past by highlighting human engagement with the material culture of the time. 'Behavioral Principles and Practice' offers a broad overview of the methods and theories used in this approach to archaeology. Opening with an overview of the history and key concepts, the book goes on to systematically cover both principles and the philosophy of science and the scientific method; artifacts and human behavior; archaeological inference; formation processes of the archaeological record; technological change; behavioral change; and ritual and religion. Detailed case studies show the relevance of behavioral method and theory to the wider field of archaeological studies. The book will be invaluable to students of archaeology and anthropology.

Genres: Archaeology

230 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 1976

About the author

Michael Brian Schiffer is Fred A. Riecker Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at the University of Arizona and Research Associate at the Lemelson Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. He is the author of six previous books on technology.

Reviews

[Shea.Cout · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good first few chapters on transforms and strategies but goes on quite a bit towards the end about his fieldwork on Pueblos.