Theory and Practice in Archaeology

In this latest collection of articles, Ian Hodder sets out to deal with new developments in archaeological theory and its application to archaeological data. Seven of the nineteen chapters have been specifically written for this volume to act as an overview of the way archaeological debate has developed over the last ten years. Yet Hodder's brief is wider than mere commentary: he aims to break down the separation of theory and practice and to reconcile the division between the intellectual and the "dirt" archaeologist. Through a series of examples--from excavation and heritage issues to site reports--the book demonstrates that an interpretive archaeology must be applied to archaeological data in order to contribute to modern social practice. The profession must be faced with a clear image of itself in order to be able to gain funding, win public confidence and save the heritage quickly and professionally. This image, save the heritage quickly and professionally. This image, however, is often cloudedby the theory/practice debate, a division all too often encouraged by the separation of universities and heritage management. Hodder emphasizes the importance of finding the right balance. Archaeologists, he asserts, cannot afford to ignore general theory in favor of practice any more than they can afford to shut themselves away in intellectual ivory towers. Theoretical debate is important to any discipline, but in archaeology particularly, theory must be related to practice if it is not to become complacent, self-interested and uncritical. Theory and Practice in Archaeology captures and continues the lively debate of the 1980s over symbolic and structural approaches to archaeology. It is essential reading for students of archaeology and for those involved in and responsible for heritage management.