Abstract

GASTALDI, Marcos R. The place of objects in the stratigraphic theory of Edward C. Harris: reflections from a habitation in the Ambato Valley, Argentina. Intersecciones antropol. [online]. 2012, vol.13, n.1, pp.89-101. ISSN 1850-373X.

In this paper, the potential and limitations of Edward C. Harris' stratigraphic theory are evaluated in relation to the development of studies of archaeological objects that approach the understanding of specific social practices in which such objects were involved at the places they were used. The analysis is applied to a specific case, the excavation of a habitation at Piedras Blancas site, Ambato valley, Catamarca, Argentina. Bearing in mind the principles of archaeological stratigraphy, a reflexive analysis of decision making in the field about the definition of the different stratigraphic units and their relation to specific objects found at the site was carried out. Consequently, this paper: a) rethinks the marginal place occupied by objects in Harris' theory; b) assesses the importance of the interfaces and period interfaces suggested by the author in observing other types of relationships-- not only the stratigraphic--thus enabling the integration of objects in specific areas; and c) reflects critically on the relations between theory and practice in all excavation work.

Keywords : Archaeological stratigraphy; Harris's matrix; Archaeological object; Social practice.

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