Organics from inorganics: using experimental archaeology as a research tool for studying perishable material culture

The value and diversity of experimental archaeology as a research tool are explored with reference to organic material culture, also termed ‘perishables’. Ethnographic and contemporary data clearly show that the majority of all material culture is composed of materials which do not survive well in temperate conditions. Perishable material culture is therefore the ‘missing majority’ of archaeological material culture. Yet no society isolates materials: material culture exists holistically. Thus the more prevalent archaeological finds of inorganic materials provide opportunities for considering issues of organic material culture. Experimental archaeology has proved a rich and diverse tool to explore a variety of different approaches to this research theme. The focus here is the plant-based craft spheres. An overview of four different research strands is presented: plant chaines operatoires; stone-tool wear traces from processing plants for crafts; ceramic impressions of cordage, basketry and textil...