Linking Theory and Evidence in an Archaeology of Human Agency: Iconography, Style, and Theories of Embodiment

Author: Lesure, Richard

Source: Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, Volume 12, Number 3, September 2005 , pp. 237-255(19)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Many of the theories that inspire agency approaches in archaeology identify deep philosophical problems with other lines of thought. This creates challenges for identifying methods: do radical theories require radical methods? Choosing as a case study one of agency’s interpretive frameworks (embodiment) and, further, a single class of evidence (anthropomorphic imagery), I argue that the answer is “no.” In this case, familiar art historical methods, deliberately played off one against the other, provide a middle range framework for linking theory and evidence.

Keywords: agency; embodiment; figurines; style

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10816-005-6930-3

Affiliations: 1: Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, 341 Haines Hall, Los Angeles, California, 90095-1553, Email: lesure@ucla.edu

Publication date: 2005-09-01