Experimental Archaeology- Fact sheet
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Experimental archaeology uses a variety of methods to test archaeological hypotheses about
how things in the past were used or worked based on archaeological material evidence.
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Experimental archaeology is not simply elaborate re-enactment as it involves testing a theory
about the past and is designed to be as close as possible to the original techniques and
processes.
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A lot of what is thought of as experimental archaeology is really ‘experiential’ or reconstruction
rather than experiment. An experiment should address a hypothesis, ask questions and seek
answers from the process.
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The types of experimental archaeology projects that are carried out fall into four categories:
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Controlled replication of archaeological artefacts or activities
Testing the validity of archaeological assumptions based on known evidence
‘contextual’ experiment dealing with the way archaeological sites are formed and how
they deteriorate over time
Ethnoarchaeology which collates information about how human behaviour relates to the
environment and material culture
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Controlled replication is often what comes to mind when thinking about experimental
archaeology. Examples are the making of stone tools, and flint knapping. Replicating this type of
artefact allows the archaeologist to understand the processes and techniques involved. This
then feeds into the understanding of past subsisitence and technology.
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Testing methodological assumptions allows archaeologists to check whether their
interpretations are correct. A famous example of this is Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki experiment. He
tested his theories on the colonization of Polynesia by reconstructing a balsa raft based on
historical descriptions. Then he sailed his raft 6900 km from the western coast of South America
to the Tuamotu Islands. He found that superficial features of the raft were destroyed but the
crew all made the journey safely. This experiment gave credibility to his colonization theory. See
http://www.kon-tiki.no/Ny/Dok_eng/E-Heyerdahl.html
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Contextual experiments can help archaeologists to understand more about how reliable their
excavation techniques are. A long running example is that of the Overton Down experiment in
Avebury. In 1960 and experimental earthwork was created with its gradual decay being
recorded over time. This experiment was particularly ambitious as it had a timescale of 128
years. Experimental excavations were to be carried out after 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 years.
The experiment has already shown that the erosion of the earthworks occurs more quickly than
was previously thought. This has suggested that many prehistoric earthworks could have
reached their present state not long after they were abandoned. For more information see the
CBA research report hosted by the ADS: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/cba/rr100.cfm
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Ethnoarchaeology can help to show archaeologists that cause and effect of human activity in
the present which can be applied to the past evidence. An example of this is the observations of
the !Kung campsites by John Yellen. He looked at the patterns of animal remains that were
deposited to understand the butchery patterns, use of tools and distribution of meat outside of
the campsite. He also considered natural features that could have an impact on the patterns of
faunal remains.
Useful Weblinks for Experimental Archaeology

European Exchange on
Archaeological Research- Links to
experimental archaeology places
and research from Europe
http://www.exarc.eu/
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Centre for Experimental
Archaeology- American site
containing some useful information
http://experimentalarchaeology.org
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BBC Website- Containing references
Picture of Butser Ancient Farm
to book, links and places to visit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/trail/archaeology/experimental/go_further.shtml
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The Lejre Centre- A site in Denmark practising experimental archaeology, containing
useful information about research and activity ideas http://www.english.lejre-center.dk/
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Lemba Archaeological Research Centre, Cyprus- An experimental village in Cyprus with
links to Edinburgh University. http://www.arcl.ed.ac.uk/arch/lemba/homepage.html
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Lothene Experimental Archaeology- A group who reconstruct and re-enact life in 11th
Century Scotland, containing activity ideas http://www.lothene.demon.co.uk/
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University of Oslo, Stone Age Reference Collection- Lithic based experiments including
skinning a deer and chopping down trees
http://www.hf.uio.no/iakh/forskning/sarc/iakh/lithic/EXPARCH/exparch.html#anchor3741
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Suffolk County Council- Links to experimental archaeology camps that took place last
summer, give an idea on types of activities that can be undertaken
http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/Environment/Archaeology/MineralsAndArchaeology/Archaeolo
gyAggregatesEducationProject/ExperimentalArchaeologyCamps/
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CBA Research Report No.100: The Experimental Earthwork Project- available online
hosted by ADS. Experimental Archaeology on a huge scale
http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/cba/rr100.cfm
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Learn NC- resources for teaching archaeology
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/tags/?tag=comprehension
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Archaeology for the public- list of websites containing archaeology for children, including
a link to dendrochronolgy for kids http://www.saa.org/public/links/websites_kids.html