Archaeology in Practice: A Student Guide to Archaeological Analyses - Paperback

by Jane Balme (Editor), Alistair Paterson (Editor)

This much-enhanced new edition of the highly accessible guide to practical archaeology is a vital resource for students. It features the latest methodologies, a wealth of case studies from around the world, and contributions from leading specialists in archaeological materials analysis.

• New edition updated to include the latest archaeological methods, an enhanced focus on post-excavation analysis and new material including a dedicated chapter on analyzing human remains
• Covers the full range of current analytic methods, such as analysis of stone tools, human remains and absolute dating
• Features a user-friendly structure organized according to material types such as animal bones, ceramics and stone artifacts, as well as by thematic topics ranging from dating techniques to report writing, and ethical concerns.
• Accessible to archaeology students at all levels, with detailed references and extensive case studies featured throughout

Back Jacket

Fully updating the first edition of this essential guide for archaeology students, the editors bring together a set of core chapters by expert analysts, with extensive case studies from sites around the world. The text provides a solid introduction to archaeological analysis, focusing on postexcavation methods and materials. The volume's user-friendly structure has been organized according to material types such as animal bones, ceramics, and stone artifacts, with a brand new chapter on analyzing human remains, as well as by thematic topics ranging from dating techniques to report writing and ethical concerns.

This invaluable practical manual of archaeological methodology includes a wealth of applications of archaeological techniques and reflects modern best-practice, especially one that foregrounds collaboration with professional and community stakeholders. The chapters cover the full range of current analyses backed by useful case studies from around the world. The editors offer material that is accessible to archaeology students at all levels and include ample up-to-date references and suggestions for further reading.

Author Biography

Jane Balme is a Professor of Archaeology at the University of Western Australia, where her research specializes in hunter-gatherer archaeology and the human colonization of Australia. Balme co-edited Gendered Archaeology: The Second Australian Women in Archaeology Conference (with Wendy Beck, 1995).

Alistair Paterson is a Professor of Archaeology at the University of Western Australia. His research and teaching specialize in culture contact, historical archaeology in maritime and terrestrial contexts, European colonization, ancient rock art, and archaeological and historical methodology. He is the author of A Millennium of Cultural Contact (2011) and The Lost Legions: Culture Contact in Colonial Australia (2008).