Customer Reviews

Formation Processes of the Archaeological Record

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Schiffer's ability to explain the complexity of formation processes is unrivaled. If you aren't sure how archaeologists know what they know about a site, you need to read this book.

This book is a great read for all archaeologists. Schiffer has micro-analyzed many of the disturbances which can occur in the archaeological record. While in practice it will be impossible to account or discern all that he outlines here, it is very important to read this book no matter if you are in the US or not, or at least parts, so as to be informed as to what can happen - and how assumptions can be mistaken and have grave effects on archaeological interpretation. PS. Schiffer is a processualist, so that may give you an indication of his mentality.

Excellent source study of taphonomy processes. Well written and surprisingly complete. First of all, it could serve as intellectual fertilizer for both archaeologists and geologists. Very broad source-book with numerous references part.
However I would add a few more examples of archaeological sites and their examples and certainly enlarge the alluvial treating part.