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Archaeology, Science-Based Archaeology and the Mediterranean Bronze Age Metals Trade

Department of Archaeology, University of Glasgow

Archaeologists often seem either sceptical of science-based archaeology or baffled by its results. The underpinnings of science-based archaeology may conflict with social or behavioural factors unsuited to quantification and grouping procedures. Thus, the interaction between archaeologists and their science-based colleagues has been less profitable than it might have been. The main point I consider in this study, and exemplify by considering metals provenance studies in the Bronze Age Mediterranean, is the relevance and application of the stated aims of sciencebased archaeology to the contemporary discipline of archaeology. Whereas most practitioners today recognize that science-based archaeology has the potential to contribute positively to the resolution of problems stemming from our field's inadequate and incomplete data resource, I contend that science and scientific analyses alone cannot adjudicate between cultural possibilities. Rather they provide analytical data which are likely to be open-ended, subject to multiple social interpretations, and in need of evaluation by collaborating archaeologists using social theory.

Key Words: commodification of metals • Cyprus • lead isotope analysis • Mediterranean Bronze Age • metals trade • recycling • Sardinia • science-based archaeology • social theory

European Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 3, No. 1, 31-56 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/146195710000300106


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