Research Methods

Ethnoarchaeology:

Ethnoarchaeology is a research method in which the archaeologist studies materials and processes in a socio-cultural setting. This method enables to make analogies from modern (mostly traditional) human settlements and activities to past ones. Ethnoarchaeological studies of this research group started in 1999 when R. Shahack-Gross conducted research among the Maasai in southern Kenya. Since then members of the group studied materials and processes in the following ethnoarchaeological settings: Semi-nomadic Bedouins (Negev Highlands, Israel; by Shahack-Gross), settled Bedouins (Besor area, Israel; by Dr. David Friesem), Farmers (Kranionas, Greece; by Dr. David Friesem), Farmers (Djam, Uzbekistan; by Dr. Shira Gur-Arieh). Future ethnoarchaeological studies in coastal sites are anticipated.

Photograph showing R. Shahack-Gross during ethnoarchaeological fieldwork, Kajiado District, Kenya (1999).

Experimental archaeology:

Experimental archaeology means conducting experiments that intend to shed light on archaeological activities and processes. Almost every member of the group uses this approach during their research. The most recent set of experiments targeted the thermal behavior of chaff-tempered mud-bricks, within the framework of understanding processes of destruction by fire in ancient Near Eastern cities (tells).

Photograph showing unheated mud brick within furnace oven, with 6 thermocouples inserted from its edge to core which enabled recording of the rate of heat penetration. For more details see Forget et al. 2015.

Recent research looks into pottery technology through experimental studies associated with ceramic petrography. These studies involve building of reference collections of soils and sediments and conducting controlled firing experiments of potential ceramic raw materials.

Photographs showing experimentally heated ceramic briquettes (top) and corresponding petrographic observations (bottom) used to understand the manufacture of Middle Bronze Age pithoi in northern Israel. For more details see Waiman-Barak et al. 2019.

Archaeological excavation

All group members participate in archaeological excavations. Working at archaeological science means constant reciprocity between the field and the laboratory. Sampling of materials for analysis is conducted in the field, preferentially during active excavation, considering stratigraphy and context. Samples are then examined using various analytical methods either in a field laboratory or in the permanent laboratory.

Photographs showing group members during excavation at Gvulot mud house (April 2011).

Underwater survey and sampling:

Current research explores macroscopic and microscopic anthropogenic materials, such as mud bricks, pottery, phytoliths and wood ash, in submerged Neolithic sites.

Photograph showing a Ph.D. student sampling underwater at the submerged Neolithic village of Atlit Yam. Photograph by Dr. E. Galili, November 2017.


Sediment sampling:

Two main methods of sampling at terrestrial and coastal sites are used:

(a) Bulk samples for bulk analyses such as determination of mineralogical composition, determination of micro-remain concentrations, and more.

Photograph showing bulk sampling along a sedimentary profile in the coastal city of Tel Dor, Israel.

(b) Block samples for micromorphological analysis, i.e., sediments sampled as intact blocks retaining their original structure and relationships between the various materials they are composed of. This method allows study of microstratigraphic sequences, contextual material identification and assessment of post-depositional processes.

Photograph showing block samples in the coastal site of Tel Dor, Israel, each composed of several sedimentary units. The boundaries between the units are studied to understand modes of formation.

Underwater sampling of sediments from submerged sites is conducted as well (see above). Sampling of intact stratigraphic sequences is conducted using short PVC pipes, following a method developed by Dr. E. Galili. These are later opened in the lab, dried, and impregnated for production of micromorphological thin sections.