Better still bypassing interpretation

Our uninhibited embrace of interpretation in archaeology is asymmetrical. There is more to the archaeological at the end of the day than various interpretations. There is more than the primacy of meaning.

The posthuman movement heralds the post-interpretive turn. In paraphasing Latour, we know facts to be constructed but only through the mobilization of things that facilitate that construction. Therefore knowledge comes about through entangled webs of complex socio-technical (machinic) assemblages. The human-centered nature of interpretation can not account for the articulation of knowledge which involves the action of human beings and things.

In allowing for the action of other non-human entities in the construction of knowledge Bruno Latour uses the notions of propositions and articulation.

What this will take the place of explanation and interpretation for archaeology?

We begin with mediation.

More on the way...

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