Objects

<p>An invaluable field textbook <em>Objects </em>examines detailed case studies to provide a brilliantly clear and comprehensible guide to the different methods and approaches (cultural forensic and technical) which can and have been used to study ancient artefacts.</p><p>From the Bayeux Tapestry to small medieval brass pins medieval wooden doors to Saxon jewellery Chris Caple’s integral text deals with a full range of materials and clearly and simply explains key scientific techniques technology anthropological jargon and historical approaches.</p><p>Key demonstrations include:</p><ul> <li>how information from objects builds into a picture of the ancient society that made and used it</li> <li>the commonly used scientific techniques for object analysis</li> <li>how and why object typologies work</li> <li>how cultural and economic factors as well as the material properties influences what objects are made of</li> <li>how simple observation of an object can build its biography.</li> </ul><p>Revealing answers to crucial questions – such as: Can DNA be obtained from objects? Why do people x-ray ancient artefacts? Can you determine the source of metal objects from their trace elements? – <em>Objects </em>is an absolutely essential text for students of archaeology museum studies and conservation.</p>