An archaeology of many steps

Abstract

Forty years ago theory changed archaeology. The New Archaeology started a discussion that has rendered us a multitude of theoretical aspects in an ever-changing flow. Archaeology has become theorized and has developed largely for the better. Unfortunately, in the theoretical debate one crucial part of the archaeological work has all too often been omitted - the field-work. Field-work developed in its own way, which has been rather un-theoretical. A consequence of this is the creation of two different archaeologies with different skills and values (see Hodder 2001). With a slight exaggeration one can say that some archaeologists have their career within the university where theoretical discussions take place and where a thorough insight in theory is needed. Others have their career within construction archaeology where a firm knowledge of the archaeological material and of excavation experience is necessary. It seems that the distance between theory and material has become an institutional problem. This can create educational problems (see Aitchison 2004 and Hamilakis 2004).