Experimental Archaeology

techair

Hi all,

I'm due to start a project in relation to a proposed experiment in archaeology, however, my mind is blank!

Would anyone be able to guide me on a topic which I could work on?

Thanks a lot!!

RDM_83 again

What size of project and what resources?undergrad with none or PHD with a decent budget?

If I had money motivation etc i'd like to redo Duncan Berrymans experiment on tower-house doors
http://experimentalarchaeology.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/the-defensibility-of-irish-tower-houses-csgj24.pdf

On that topic if your into archery/firearms or even not maybe you could look at the loops on them.

slowburner

How's about metallurgy?
http://www.seandalaiocht.com/1/post/2010/11/smelt-2010-full-video-in-hd.html

Sligo22

Iron smelting is fun but very difficult to get right!! helped out with an iron smelt my partner did a couple of months ago for his 4th year thesis...is definatley hard work but very interesting.... if you do decide to do it look into a source of clay locally to build the furnace and bring plenty of people to dig it out.... its bloody HEAVY!!

Riamfada

Woodworking? Less dangerous! I tried Iron smelting one night after a few drinks.

Gee Bag

You might get some ideas from this website

http://exarc.net/

slowburner

Riamfada wrote: »

Woodworking? Less dangerous! I tried Iron smelting one night after a few drinks.

Don't know about that.
I heard that more people are injured every year by bow saws than any other woodworking tool.
And my hands are covered in scars from woodworking - I've been lucky to keep all my digits.
Mind you, I would love to have a go at building a round house using only Neolithic resources.
Whatever happened to your experiment along those lines?

Riamfada

slowburner wrote: »

Whatever happened to your experiment along those lines?

The work and cost involved in the set up was so great we switched periods and went to experience life in a 19th century bridewell. Would love to do the Meso/Neo experience in the future.

Thanks for asking

slowburner

Riamfada wrote: »

The work and cost involved in the set up was so great we switched periods and went to experience life in a 19th century bridewell. Would love to do the Meso/Neo experience in the future.

Thanks for asking

I have the location (15+ wild acres and a healthy wee river) and all the natural materials you could need - except flint, only quartz on offer I'm afraid.
You can do the Meso lifestyle while I practice drunken metallurgy, that sounds like fun.

Seriously though, anytime you're thinking of having another go, don't hesitate to say it, and I'll put the place at your disposal.

Sligo22

Riamfada wrote: »

Woodworking? Less dangerous! I tried Iron smelting one night after a few drinks.

ha ha... the smelt we did was on paddy's day this year so as you can imagine there was whiskey involved...also half a pig on a spit.... the result was A LOT of singed eyebrows and facial hair

dr gonzo

In case anyone is interested, UCD has set aside its own experimental arch area. Just a field with a fence at present but the plans are very cool.

Keep up with it here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/286322324795899/

Sligo22

dr gonzo wrote: »

In case anyone is interested, UCD has set aside its own experimental arch area. Just a field with a fence at present but the plans are very cool.

Keep up with it here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/286322324795899/

Thanks had heard about it but didn't realize they had a FB page!!