Archeologia sperimentale nell'archeologia italiana (con P.Bellintani, G.Chelidonio, L.Longo; atti del convegno tenutosi a in P.Bellintani, L.Moser (a cura di), Archeologie sperimentali. , Trento 2003, pp. 77-95 (original) (raw)

2003

Abstract

Apart from a few sporadic previous episodes, Italian experimental archaeology only really began in the second half of the 1970s with experimentation in the field of stone-working, above all on the line of the Bordes studies. As opposed to twenty years ago, from which period one can cite the scientific and educational activities of Giorgio Chelidonio as among the most important, today the increasing presence of programmes of experimentation conducted by university and research institutes and protection government bodies should be underlined. The two most significant examples are the University of Ferrara as regards stone-working at the early Palaeolithic site of Isernia – La Pineta and various experiences in the field of the stone and pottery industry carried out by the “La Sapienza” University and by the Museo delle Origini in Rome, in some cases specifically integrated within the university teaching programme. Among the experimental activities related to other forms of pre and protohistoric crafts a good example is that conducted by A. M. Bietti Sestrieri on the pottery of the Osteria dell’Osa necropolis in Lazio (BETTI SESTRIERI, PULITANI 1992). In the field of archaeological metallurgy we can cite the experimentation carried by the Italian-German team headed by Jan Cierny and Franco Marzatico, within the context of investigations of protohistoric archaeological metallurgy in Trentino (CIERNY et Alii 1988). In the field of the archaeology of wood the work of Renato Perini from the Archaeological Heritage Office of Trento should be recalled, on the occasion of the exhibition dedicated to the working of wood at the Fiavé lake dwelling (Trento 1988). Another important sector is the experimental reconstruction of structures, both dwellings and other constructions, in perishable materials. One of the first examples in Italy is the experimental reconstruction of a hut from the early Neolithic Time (CALEGARI et Alii 1990) and the archaeological investigation of its remains following collapse (CALEGARI LOKOSEK 1990). Among the experiences in the last decade, an example of reconstruction linked to a specific archaeological context is the reconstruction of an early Iron Age hut at Fidene (Bietti Sestieri excavations: MERLO 1992). To move on to the diffusion of scientific information linked to experimentation, an important field, currently particularly in vogue, is the archaeological park. Among the projects undertaken above all in the 1990s, within which archaeological experimentation for educational purposes represented one of the main services offered to users, we cite two examples which are to a certain extent representative: the experience at Darfo-Boario Terme in Valcamonica (the “Archaeodromo” and “Archaeopark” ) which can be classified within the context of thematic-parks and which come closer to similar experiences in central and northern Europe inspired by so-called “living history”, and the parks in the Val di Cornia (S. Silvestro and Populonia), which are archaeological parks in the true sense of the word, as they are directly linked to the exploitation of important archaeological areas. In an attempt to comment on this brief summary of the history of Italian experimental archaeology, we can propose some ideas of a general nature. As regards the definition and position of experimental archaeology we recall and agree with what has already been expressed in an Italian work in 1990 (BONDIOLI et Alii 1990): an experimental approach is recognised in research which isolates limited groups of variables and subjects them to high levels of control as regards the phases of production, formation and transformation of the archaeological deposit, with the aim of drawing an interpretation and productive models useful for the study of archaeological deposits themselves. Some of the most urgent tasks of Italian experimental archaeology are: the establishment of a well-defined and controllable database, the search for appropriate institutional spaces and the diffusion of research. Another important question regards the application of experimental archaeology to the diffusion of information. This must be firmly anchored to the knowledge acquired, limited “integrative” intervention to an indispensable minimum consider its main goal as the enhancement of the archaeological heritage. Finally, it is to be hoped that the government bodies responsible for the protection of the archaeological heritage will come into action and express precise evaluations as regards experimental archaeological activities. This is necessary in order to avoid, for example, thematic-parks which are broadly based on archaeology becoming more important in terms of tourism exploitation than the archaeological heritage itself, possibly with the result of diverting the investment necessary to make the most of the archaeological remains in terms of museums and the environment in an appropriate manner.

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