EXARC Journal - Latest Articles

Hafted Tool-use Experiments with Australian Aboriginal Plant Adhesives: Triodia Spinifex, Xanthorrhoea Grass Tree and Lechenaultia divaricata Mindrie

V. Rots (BE),
E. Hayes (AU),
K. Akerman (AU),
P. Green (AU),
C. Clarkson (AU),
C. Lepers (BE),
L. Bordes (FR),
C. McAdams (AU),
E. Foley (AU) and
R. Fullagar (AU)
EXARC Journal Issue 2020/1
Experimental Archaeology
Hafted stone tools commonly figure in Australian archaeology but hafting traces and manufacture processes are infrequently studied. The Aboriginal processing of resin from Xanthorrhoea (Sol. Ex Sm.) grass tree, Triodia (R.Br.) spinifex and Lechenaultia divaricata (F.Muell.)...

Barely Scratching the Surface: An Experimental Approach to Engraved Magdalenian Plaquettes

Matthew Amy (UK)
EXARC Journal Issue 2020/1
Experimental Archaeology
This paper investigates the creation, utilisation, and destruction of engraved Magdalenian plaquettes through the application of actualistic experimental replication. Archaeological evidence suggests that there is a relationship between plaquettes and hearth structures, as well as engraved depictions and the destruction of the plaquettes through heating. However, this relationship between fire and plaquettes...

“A Mirror for Men” – Reconstructing a Medieval Polishing Bench and Putting it to the Test

Florian Messner (AT)
EXARC Journal Issue 2020/1
Ancient Technology
11th EAC Trento 2019
***In the late 5th century AD, the famous Ostrogoth Theoderic the Great received a truly regal gift from the king of the Warini: he was given highly elaborated swords, richly decorated and able to cut through armour. Their fullers (long grooves along the flat side of the blade to reduce weight and to gain stability...

Fine Pottery Chaîne Opératoire from the Bronze Age site of Via Ordiere, Solarolo (RA, IT): Experiments on the Relationship between Surface Treatments and Function

A. La Torre,
G. Mannino and
A. Zurzolo (IT)
EXARC Journal Issue 2020/1
Experimental Archaeology
11th EAC Trento 2019
***The aim of this experimental work was to catch a glimpse of the pottery chaîne opératoire, particularly linked to the surfaces treatments applied, in order to better understand what type of traces they could leave on pots and how they could differently affect the use of final products...

The Use and Relevance of Archaeological Open-Air Museums

Roeland Paardekooper (NL)
EXARC Journal Issue 2020/1
Archaeological Open-Air Museum
Archaeological open-air museums form a colourful and varied assemblage of heritage institutions. These are places where stories about the past, inspired by archaeology, are presented. Their obvious use is for experimental archaeology, ancient crafts and live interpretation. However, these museums can be more relevant to society than meets the eye. They can teach newcomers about...