Archaeological anthropology, also known as archaeological anthropology or anthropological archaeology, is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the study of past human societies and cultures through the analysis of material remains, such as artifacts, ecofacts, features, and structures.
Archaeological anthropologists employ a range of scientific methods and theoretical approaches to reconstruct and interpret the lifeways, social organization, and cultural practices of ancient peoples. Here’s a brief overview of the various divisions of archaeology:
- Prehistoric Archaeology:
- Prehistoric archaeology focuses on the study of human societies and cultures before the advent of written records. Prehistoric archaeologists investigate the material remains of ancient hunter-gatherer societies, early agricultural communities, and complex civilizations, tracing the development of human technology, subsistence strategies, social organization, and symbolic expression over time.
- Historical Archaeology:
- Historical archaeology examines the material culture and social dynamics of past societies within the context of written history. Historical archaeologists investigate the material remains of colonial settlements, industrial sites, urban centers, and other historic contexts, using documentary sources, oral histories, and archaeological methods to reconstruct the lives of individuals and communities.
- Underwater Archaeology:
- Underwater archaeology, also known as maritime archaeology, focuses on the study of submerged cultural heritage, including shipwrecks, sunken cities, and underwater settlements. Underwater archaeologists use specialized diving techniques, remote sensing technologies, and underwater excavation methods to explore and document underwater sites, providing insights into maritime history, seafaring technologies, and trade networks.
- Landscape Archaeology:
- Landscape archaeology examines the spatial organization and environmental context of human societies and cultural activities. Landscape archaeologists study the distribution of archaeological sites, landforms, and natural resources within the landscape, as well as the ways in which human societies have shaped and been shaped by their environments over time.
- Bioarchaeology:
- Bioarchaeology combines archaeological and biological approaches to study human skeletal remains and associated biological materials, such as dental calculus, ancient DNA, and isotopic analysis. Bioarchaeologists investigate patterns of health, disease, diet, migration, and social identity in past populations, using skeletal and molecular evidence to understand the biological and cultural dimensions of human life.
- Experimental Archaeology:
- Experimental archaeology involves the replication and testing of ancient technologies, techniques, and cultural practices through practical experimentation. Experimental archaeologists recreate prehistoric tools, pottery, buildings, and other artifacts using traditional materials and methods, providing insights into the technological capabilities, cognitive processes, and adaptive strategies of ancient peoples.
- Cultural Resource Management:
- Cultural resource management (CRM) archaeology focuses on the identification, preservation, and management of archaeological sites and cultural heritage resources in compliance with regulatory requirements and conservation goals. CRM archaeologists conduct surveys, excavations, and impact assessments to assess the potential impacts of development projects on cultural resources and mitigate adverse effects through documentation, preservation, and public outreach.
These divisions of archaeology represent diverse and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of human history, offering insights into the cultural diversity, social complexity, and environmental dynamics of past societies and cultures. Each division of archaeology contributes to our understanding of the human past from different perspectives and scales of analysis, enriching our knowledge of the long-term trajectories of human cultural evolution.