The Archaeology of Interaction: Views from Artifact Style and Material Exchange in Dorset Society
This paper discusses the role of interaction in prehistory, and the ways archaeologists have traditionally approached its study. Using two distinct data sets—artifact style and material exchange—derived from analysis of 11 Dorset (late Paleoeskimo) collections from Frobisher Bay in the Canadian Arct...
Published in: | American Antiquity |
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Main Author: | |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
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Cambridge University Press (CUP)
1998
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Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2694628 https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S000273160004926X |
Summary: | This paper discusses the role of interaction in prehistory, and the ways archaeologists have traditionally approached its study. Using two distinct data sets—artifact style and material exchange—derived from analysis of 11 Dorset (late Paleoeskimo) collections from Frobisher Bay in the Canadian Arctic, it explores the strengths and weaknesses of these methodologically distinct investigatory techniques. Each appears inadequate when used separately and in isolation, but when used in tandem they demonstrate considerable potential to yield epistemologically grounded insights into prehistoric interaction and, perhaps, changing dimensions in the symbolic use of style over time. |
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