Art Archaeology Science

The Archaeology of Seeing provides readers with a new and provocative understanding of material culture through exploring visual narratives captured in cave and rock art, sculpture, paintings, and more. The engaging argument draws on current thinking in archaeology, on how we can interpret the behaviour of people in the past through their use of material culture, and how this affects our understanding of how we create and see art in the present. Exploring themes of gender, identity, and story-telling in visual material culture, this book forces a radical reassessment of how the ability to see makes us and our ancestors human; as such, it will interest lovers of both art and archaeology. Illustrated with examples from around the world, from the earliest art from hundreds of thousands of years ago, to the contemporary art scene, including street art and advertising, Janik cogently argues that the human capacity for art, which we share with our most ancient ancestors and cousins, is rooted in our common neurophysiology. The ways in which our brains allow us to see is a common heritage that shapes the creative process; what changes, according to time and place, are the cultural contexts in which art is produced and consumed. The book argues for an innovative understanding of art through the interplay between the way the human brain works and the culturally specific creation and interpretation of meaning, making an important contribution to the debate on art/archaeology.

The first of its kind, this series is devoted to the use of physical principles in the study and scientific conservation of objects with cultural heritage significance. It begins with a review of the modern museum, which discusses new techniques employed in the conservation of museum artifacts such as X-ray tomography and other techniques used to study Egyptian mummies, bones and mineralization of bones in the archaeological context, and the degradation of parchment. All of these topics and techniques are essential for the preservation of our history. This includes finding ways to preserve parchment documents and letters, which much of our written heritage is documented on, so that it can be used and understood for generations to come. This book is a must have for any museum as well as any university that teaches or employs the techniques discussed. Written in a style that is readily understandable by conservation scientists, archaeologists, museum curators, and students Provides an introduction to the advanced fields of synchrotron radiation science, neutron science, and computed tomography Outstanding review of the use of modern technology to study museum and archaeological artifacts Offers solutions through advanced scientific techniques to a wide range of problems facing museum staff

This volume contains thirty-five papers from a 2010 conference on landscape archaeology focusing on the definition of landscape as used by processual archaeologists, earth scientists, and most historical geographers, in contrast to the definition favored by postprocessual archaeologists, cultural geographers, and anthropologists. This tension provides a rich foundation for discussion, and the papers in this collection cover a variety of topics including: how do landscapes change; how to improve temporal, chronological, and transformational frameworks; how to link lowlands with mountainous area.

Materials in Art and Archaeology through their Infrared Spectra introduces students and professionals in archaeology, conservation, chemistry, and materials science to the world of archaeological and art materials. The infrared spectra of materials directly reflect their structures, whether amorphous or crystalline, color or colorless, polar (hydrophilic), or nonpolar (hydrophobic). Through this book, the reader is offered a top-down approach for interpreting the rich but often subtle information drawn from the infrared spectra of most materials in the above-described context and correlate them to their molecular geometry, their molecular environments, and, most importantly, their deterioration pathways that lead to their current condition.

This volume focuses specifically on the applications, possibilities, and limitations of handheld X-ray fluorescence devices in art conservation and archaeology.

The Definitive, Up-to-Date Guide to Digital Forensics The rapid proliferation of cyber crime is increasing the demand for digital forensics experts in both law enforcement and in the private sector. In Digital Archaeology, expert practitioner Michael Graves has written the most thorough, realistic, and up-to-date guide to the principles and techniques of modern digital forensics. Graves begins by providing a solid understanding of the legal underpinnings of and critical laws affecting computer forensics, including key principles of evidence and case law. Next, he explains how to systematically and thoroughly investigate computer systems to unearth crimes or other misbehavior, and back it up with evidence that will stand up in court. Drawing on the analogy of archaeological research, Graves explains each key tool and method investigators use to reliably uncover hidden information in digital systems. His detailed demonstrations often include the actual syntax of command-line utilities. Along the way, he presents exclusive coverage of facilities management, a full chapter on the crucial topic of first response to a digital crime scene, and up-to-the-minute coverage of investigating evidence in the cloud. Graves concludes by presenting coverage of important professional and business issues associated with building a career in digital forensics, including current licensing and certification requirements. Topics Covered Include Acquiring and analyzing data in ways consistent with forensic procedure Recovering and examining e-mail, Web, and networking activity Investigating users’ behavior on mobile devices Overcoming anti-forensics measures that seek to prevent data capture and analysis Performing comprehensive electronic discovery in connection with lawsuits Effectively managing cases and documenting the evidence you find Planning and building your career in digital forensics Digital Archaeology is a key resource for anyone preparing for a career as a professional investigator; for IT professionals who are sometimes called upon to assist in investigations; and for those seeking an explanation of the processes involved in preparing an effective defense, including how to avoid the legally indefensible destruction of digital evidence.

Based on a 2013 Theoretical Archaeology Group (TAG) conference session, this book aims to merge the perspectives of artists and archaeologists on making art. It explores the relationship between archaeology and art practice, the interactions between materials and practitioners, and the processes that result in the objects and images we call ‘art’.