Ethnoarchaeology in the Mediterranean
Dr. Nikos Efstratiou, University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Dr. Joan Segui, Ethnographic Museum,Valencia, Spain
Ethnoarchaeology today is a dynamic branch of archaeological inquiry which can offer useful insights into the past. Either by critically evaluating existing explanatory propositions through the testing of theoretical archaeological and methodological practices or by generating alternative explanations using contemporary ethnographic observations, ethnoarchaeological studies are considered an integral part of present-day archaeological reasoning helping to explore the complexities of human behavior and institutions.
The Mediterranean basin with its rich archaeological, ethnographic and cultural heritage, has been the focus of systematic ethnoarchaeological research with field projects and studies covering a long time-span and a wide range of topics. From early prehistory until modern times and from social anthropological approaches to ethnographic research, material culture and archaeological studies, the Mediterranean has provided the field for fruitful exchange of experiences between scientists from different disciplines endeavouring to understand the sociocultural, political and historical developments in the area as well as shedding light on traditions of a fast disappearing world.
Our initiative for creating a Network for Ethnoarchaeologists working in the Mediterranean aims at bringing together scientists from all countries and especially those from the Mediterranean who work in the area with the purpose of sharing their field experiences and promoting scientific collaboration.
The launching of this website is the first step towards the above aims and it is hoped that it will work as an open forum for ethnoarchaeologists working in the Mediterranean. Its success will greatly depend on the momentum it will generate. Please respond to this initiative and participate actively in the creation of this network by becoming a member and contributing your views, proposals for future projects and information about field work which you are presently involved in.
The experimental construction of a post-framed and wattle-and-daub hut in the Pomak village of Sarakini in upland Rhodope, Thrace, Greece.
