Introduction
Archaeological Anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that studies human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of material remains. It helps us understand how human societies have evolved culturally, socially, and economically by examining tools, artifacts, settlements, and structures from the past.
While anthropology is broadly concerned with humans and their behavior, archaeological anthropology specifically focuses on the material evidence left behind. It allows us to piece together the lifestyles, beliefs, and social organization of ancient people.
Definition of Archaeological Anthropology
Archaeological Anthropology can be defined as the study of past human cultures through their material remains. These remains include tools, pottery, buildings, art, and even human and animal bones. Through archaeological methods, we reconstruct the patterns of life, trade, communication, and development in ancient societies.
Main Divisions of Archaeology
Archaeology has several specialized branches or divisions that help researchers focus on specific types of evidence, time periods, or analytical techniques. Below are the main divisions:
1. Prehistoric Archaeology
This branch studies cultures that existed before written records were kept. It involves the study of stone tools, cave art, burial sites, and settlement patterns. Example: Study of the Stone Age or Harappan Civilization before script was fully deciphered.
2. Protohistoric Archaeology
Protohistoric archaeology deals with cultures that had contact with literate civilizations and may have left limited written records. This division often studies societies that were mentioned in the writings of other civilizations. For example, the Iron Age in India as mentioned in early Vedic texts.
3. Historical Archaeology
This division focuses on societies with written records. It involves a combination of studying documents and material remains. For instance, the study of Mughal-era sites, colonial forts, or ancient temples falls under historical archaeology.
4. Ethnoarchaeology
Ethnoarchaeology involves studying present-day cultures to understand how their material culture might be similar to that of ancient societies. For example, studying pottery-making methods among tribal groups to infer ancient techniques.
5. Environmental Archaeology
This division focuses on the relationship between humans and their environment in the past. It includes studying ancient climates, plant and animal remains (paleobotany and zooarchaeology), and how these influenced human settlement and subsistence.
6. Experimental Archaeology
In this method, archaeologists attempt to recreate ancient tools, technologies, or structures to better understand how they were made and used. For example, making stone tools using ancient methods to learn about tool-making techniques.
7. Underwater Archaeology
This field studies submerged sites such as shipwrecks, sunken cities, and coastal settlements. It is useful for studying maritime trade and coastal civilizations.
8. Industrial Archaeology
This division studies the remains of the industrial era, including factories, machines, railways, and urban infrastructure. It helps in understanding the industrial development and urbanization of societies.
Conclusion
Archaeological anthropology is a vital discipline that helps us uncover the human past. Its various branches allow researchers to approach the past from multiple perspectives, whether it is through studying stone tools, ancient texts, or submerged ruins. Each division contributes uniquely to our understanding of how human societies have evolved over thousands of years.