The Five Methods of Observing Ancient Objects and Items

Many history books, when speaking about the past, often state facts about objects without explaining how a historian or archeologist figured out what an object is, it's past, and it's purpose. In reality, object observation is a very large part of being a historian. In fact, many historians have different methods of observing an object. Joseph Corn states that there are five different methods historians use to observe objects. Ordinary looking, technical analysis, simulation, testing through use, and archaeological science (Corn 37). Not all of these different types of analysis can be used with every object, and for each object an observer would find themselves using observations that best help identify an item. This paper will take a look at selected essays or articles from historians that examine ancient objects and items. The primary focus is their techniques used in their analysis and examination.

The first selection that will be looked at is a piece about ancient hand axes. Michael Pitts and Mark Roberts argue that The primary methods of examination used by the historian are archaeological science, and testing through use. First of all, the handaxes are studied in ways that only an archaeologist could do. "...Each left characteristic types of polish and striations on flint that were invisible to the naked eye, but clearly distinguishable at high magnification." (Pitts and Roberts 285) The archaeologist finds a polish left by hand axes and is able to determine what they were used for.

The different polishes and marks were attributed to fresh or dry hide, wood, meat, or bone. In addition to this, the archaeologists used the hand axes as our ancestors would have. By doing this, they were able to determine more about how the handaxes were used. "Using one of the water-polished axes from the dig, Mark butchered a deer in his quarry. John then cleaned the axe and looked at it under his microscope." (Pitts and Roberts 285) This helped reveal the type of polish left by cutting meat, and how well preserved the hand axes were. In addition to this, a hand axe was given to a butcher, and his techniques in cutting meat were observed. (Pitts and Roberts 285) By testing through use, the archaeologists were given an insight into how the hand axes might have been implemented by the people who created them.

Order custom essay The Five Methods of Observing Ancient Objects and Items with free plagiarism report

450+ experts on 30 subjects Starting from 3 hours delivery

Get Essay Help

The next piece goes into detail on what the Egyptians needed in order to adopt chariots. Ian Shaw states that in order for chariots to be implemented, the Egyptians needed access to necessary resources or materials, ability to manufacture, skilled craftsmen, social or political need, and a suitable context for the technology to be employed (Shaw 97).

The main ways the historians and archaeologists analyzed were ordinary looking and technical analysis. The first thing they did was look at the chariots and determine what they were made of. "...The six chariots from the tomb of Tutankhamun constitute the majority of surviving complete examples, but large numbers of chariot components have survived" (Shaw 93) By simple observation, they were able to determine that the materials used were wood, leather, rawhide, textile, bone, ivory, copper alloy, gold, gypsum palster, faience, glass, stone and glue (Shaw 99). Technical analysis was used when translating and reading drawings and inscriptions in Egyptian tombs. For example, the techniques used by egyptian carpenters were discovered on the walls of the tombs of Amenemhat and Baket II in a scene depicting carpenters using steam to bend wood (Shaw 100). These two methods of observation helped determine what materials the Egyptians needed, and the skills their craftsmen needed to make the chariots.

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Run a free check or have your essay done for you

Check my essay Hire Writer