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An overview of the way the archaeological debate has developed over the last 10 years. Hodder aims to break down the separation between theory and practice and reconcile the division between the intellectual and the ''dirt'' archaeologist.
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THEORY AND PRACTICE IN ARCHAEOLOGY This book aims to show through a series of examples that an interpretive archaeology dealing with past meanings can be applied in practice to archaeological data, and that it can also contribute effectively to social practice in the world of today. Seven of the nineteen contributions included have been specifically written for this volume to act as an overview of the way archaeology has developed over the last ten years. Yet Ian Hodder goes beyond this: he aims to break down the separation of theory and practice and to reconcile the division between the intellectual and the ‘dirt’ archaeologist. Faced with public controversy over the ownership and interpretation of the past, archaeology needs a clear image of itself, be able to gain funding, win public confidence and manage the heritage professionally and sensitively. Hodder asserts that archaeologists cannot afford to ignore general theory in favour of practice any more than they can afford an ivory-tower approach. Theoretical debate is important to any discipline, particularly in archaeology, if it is not to become complacent, self-interested and uncritical Theory and Practice in Archaeology captures and extends the lively debate of the 1980s over symbolic and structural approaches to archaeology. It will be essential reading for students of archaeology and for those involved in, and responsible for, heritage management. Ian Hodder is a Reader in Archaeology at the University of Cambridge, a Fellow of Darwin College and a Director of the Cambridge Archaeological Unit.
MATERIAL CULTURES Interdisciplinary studies in the material c