Overview of Archaeological Traditions (Level I)

by Christiane Cunnar, Human Relations Area Files

This exercise is designed for students to gain a better general understanding of archaeological traditions in terms of their locations, settlement systems, subsistence, relative time periods and other cultural markers.

Instructions for the "Traditions Summary" Exercise: 

Step 1. Select three (or more) archaeological traditions from the list found at the link below.

Archaeological Traditions List with OWC Codes

Step 2. In eHRAF Archaeology (http://ehrafarchaeology.yale.edu) click on "Browse" then on "Regions" where you will find the list of traditions (see above) classified into major geographic regions and countries. Please note that you will find an archaeological tradition name listed repeatedly under various country names. This demonstrates that often a tradition is not limited to one country but often crosses country and regional boundaries. 

Step 3. Click on the tradition file name and then on "tradition summary." The tradition summary contains general information about the tradition as outlined in the headings and sub-headings below:

Step 4. Select five or more of the headings listed above and use these to compare and contrast the three (or more) traditions selected.