4th November 2005, 08:33 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by judy
eggbasket ??????.Posted - 04/11/2005 : 13:40:01
The Chinese interpreted this as a communal meeting house where decisions for the whole community would be voted on. If this had been found in the UK there is a good chance that it would have been interpreted as the headman's hut, finds notwithstanding.
(A socialist thinking English archaeologist might have reached the same conclusion. NO?)
The argument of English Scottish Indian Archaeology is really poor because we are talking about mankind in general, they just happen to be on a land called England at the present time, and who knows what would it be in 3000 years.
If the topic turns personal with out any concerns for others feelings I might as well call it a day I thought I?m among open minded colleagues.
Judy,
Your point about the socialist is well made and may be true. My own opinion is that they might consciously choose to interpret the remains in the same way as the Chinese did at Ban Po, but they are probably culturally conditioned to think first of a more hierarchical structure. Your guess is as good as mine really and I reckon there are several books' worth of debate in the subject.
I think I see your point about the generic nature of archaeology but I do feel that it cannot be divorced from the culture and society that created it and that is interpreting it. Quotations about "recreating the present in the past" spring gazelle-like to mind.
Archaeology in England is of necessity grounded in English society and used to examine how England came to be and how its society has evolved in my opinion.I do hope that you do not consider anything I have said as a personal attack. That was never the intention and I hope we can continue this debate constructively.
Troll - you make fair comment, but consider the effect of the French Revolution upon the masses. At the time of Trafalgar, the French had replaced their monarchy with a tyranny that sought to spread its tentacles to all Europe. It is certainly useful to examine situations through others' eyes, but don't let that blind you to the reality of the situation. On the other hand, I definitely agree that we need to see all situations from the perspective of all participants. In doing so, we gain a more balanced viewpoint, and that is extremely valuable.
Cheers,
Eggbasket
Gentleman Adventurer and Antique
"Ask not for whom the bell tolls, the ringing's in your head"