2023 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report
Ethnography of Archaeology and Architectural Reconstruction
| Project/Area Number |
23H00741
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Research Institution | Keio University |
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Principal Investigator |
ERTL JohnJosef 慶應義塾大学, 経済学部(日吉), 准教授 (30507380)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
吉田 泰幸 盛岡大学, 文学部, 准教授 (20585294)
碇 陽子 明治大学, 政治経済学部, 専任講師 (10791866)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2023-04-01 – 2028-03-31
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| Keywords | cultural anthropology / archaeology / architecture |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
This project is an ethnography of archaeological knowledge production. Research has observed the practices involved in the reconstruction of a Jomon period pit dwelling, beginning with excavation and ending with rebuilding. There have been three central pillars of research including: (1) archaeological excavations at Suwahara site (Hokuto City, Yamanashi): (2) comparative fieldwork in Japan and overseas examining buildings reconstructed based on archaeological and historical evidence; and (3) documenting and participating in the reconstruction and maintenance of a Middle Jomon pit dwelling at Umenoki historical site (Hokuto, Yamanashi).
Excavations at Suwahara site aim to understand the materials and structure of Middle Jomon pit dwellings. The ethnographic component of our research focuses on the processes by which one learns how to "see" relevant information in site features, and how they acquire the skills to make remains accessible and meaningful.
Comparative fieldwork has focused on prehistoric and ancient period reconstructions located at sites throughout Japan. Over 360 sites containing approximately 1,000 buildings have been identified, with approximately half having been documented. Interview data with building designers and builders have also been collected. Fieldwork in North America has examined Native American reconstructed traditional architecture.
Experimental reconstruction of a Jomon pit dwelling included stone tool making workshops, felling trees and collection of materials, digging a pit and postholes, and the forming and assembly of the structure and roof.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
1: Research has progressed more than it was originally planned.
Reason
The multiple lines of research have produced results. Excavation results are documented in yearly reports, with the most recent focusing on themes of embodiment, artifice, and charismatic artifacts. Excavation this past year has revealed an abundance of remains and information, with notable finds of two stone hearths and a stone altar. The success of excavations has also led to new collaborations with scholars in the fields of archaeobotany, photogrammetry, and Jomon settlement studies.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Upcoming research will continue excavations at Suwahara site. New collaborating members will provide analytical insights that will allow for a broader investigation into the relationship between scientific analysis and excavation techniques. With the continued goal of understanding and documenting the gaps between archaeological excavation, design, and construction of Jomon pit dwelling reconstructions, this year's research will focus on how the diverse agendas of different scientific analyses may lead to multiple and perhaps conflicting excavation methods. Furthermore, with increasing team members, the ethnographic element of following how people learn how to see and interact with archaeological sites and materials will provide new streams for analysis.
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