The archaeological process: an introduction.

Wainwright, Geoffrey

IAN HODDER. xiv+242 pages, 24 figures, 1 table. 1998. Oxford: Blackwell; 0-631-19884-9 hardback [pounds]50 & $59.95; 0-631-19885-7 [pounds]14.99 & $26.95.

A number of classic textbooks have been written about archaeological field methods, data collection and archaeological reasoning in general. Most have focused on methods rather than the reasoning and interpretative process and this book - written by a leading figure in the field of archaeological thought and practice - achieves this integration and is probably the most important study of its kind to have appeared since Wheeler's Archaeology from the earth in 1954. It appears at a time when cultural heritage has become widely recognized as relevant to the aspirations of society as a whole and an important product of this is the recognition by states, organizations and individuals that it is not possible to have social and economic development without a recognition of our cultural heritage and history. The challenge which the author sets out in his conclusion is for archaeologists to recognize and respond to the new situation which has come about partly by the efforts of archaeologists themselves, but more directly through post-colonial developments, new technologies and other global issues. The options for the archaeology profession so clearly stated by Prof. Hodder are either to close in on itself to repel boarders or to demolish the boundaries we have built around our subject, to become more flexible and participatory and less exclusive of other interests. This call will strike a chord with all those who have experienced the thrills and frustrations of establishing a role for archaeology in the new millennium and this reviewer joins Prof. Hodder in fervently anticipating the demolition of the barriers behind which our professional core shelters from external influence and debate. The book is an introduction to this debate and cogently encourages discussion about archaeological field methods whilst exposing the ways in which we arrive at conclusions about our past. These conclusions are now avidly sought by politicians, managers and the media and a heavy responsibility rests on the archaeology profession to understand and make clear to others the reasoning process which leads us to them. The disciplinary core of the archaeology profession is suprisingly small but the author points out that we have many potential adherents amongst groups who are in no sense marginal but who feel excluded from the subject territory which we vigorously protect. These groups - New Age, Druids, Archaeoastronomers and Van Daniken adherents amongst them - view the past as a voyage of self discovery - and this book both celebrates this diversity and successfully attempts to explore and understand it more fully by placing it in a wider context.

The individual chapters lead the reader to a discussion of archaeology and globalism which sets the scene for the choices which we need to make as we enter the next millennium. Questions of how archaeologists reason and interpret material culture are dealt with in the first part of the book which establishes the posit(C)_n that archaeological logic in practice is diverse, fluid and non-dichotomous. No other textbook on archaeological theory and practice has approached these issues with such insight and clarity and these chapters are essential reading. Many of us will warm to the conclusion that the excavator should not be seen as a technician as that role is pivotal in dealing with the interaction of interpretation and data. 'Interpretation happens at the edge of the trowel' writes Prof. Hodder in one of several memorable sound-bites which should cause much debate in the trenches and outside. The author shares the conviction held by many of us that we are all victims of our preconceptions about sites and data. This reviewer recalls one of his many misconceptions which resulted in an Iron Age hill-fort rampart being excavated as if it were a prehistoric burial mound! Prof. Hodder's personal misconception is that contract archaeology is somehow in conflict with the testing of hypotheses - rather than recognizing its potential for interaction, fluidity and participation with the resources and time to achieve objectives which are satisfactory to both archaeologist and client. He also singles out the linear process of archaeological project assessment on the grounds that it makes people less responsible for decision-making and thus archaeological work becomes unfulfilling. One can only assume that Prof. Hodder has not experienced the trials of encouraging archaeologists to think about their data over a wide range of projects. If so, he would have concluded that the linear assessment process - versions of which have now become international standards - does not restrict conceptual thought but rather provides the framework within which it can flourish.

Such differences of perception are inevitable given the diversity of interests involved and this fine book is an introduction to the debate which must now take place. As the archaeology profession moves towards the next millennium it must review its position regarding field methodologies, reasoning process, interpretation, technological innovation and its role in a new world order. Prof. Hodder would no doubt be as surprised and disappointed as this reviewer if a unitary view emerged but he has issued a clear and cogent challenge to which our profession should respond.

Reference

WHEELER. M. 1954. Archaeology from the earth. Oxford: Oxford University Press.