What are mundane or everyday matters of the ancient and historical past? Why are these mundane matters important to archaeology? Southeastern archaeologists too often talk to each other in a language of types and time periods. This results in people, and their actions and behaviors, becoming lost in the welter of artifacts, data, and jargon. Centering the archaeological discussion on the everyday affords a vantage point from which archaeologists can think about the artifacts and conceptions of the past in new ways. Indeed, although the contributors to the volume are united under a common theme ... More

What are mundane or everyday matters of the ancient and historical past? Why are these mundane matters important to archaeology? Southeastern archaeologists too often talk to each other in a language of types and time periods. This results in people, and their actions and behaviors, becoming lost in the welter of artifacts, data, and jargon. Centering the archaeological discussion on the everyday affords a vantage point from which archaeologists can think about the artifacts and conceptions of the past in new ways. Indeed, although the contributors to the volume are united under a common theme, the theme evoked varied approaches to the everyday. This variety demonstrates the many ways that thinking about the everyday can be incorporated into the reader’s specific archaeology. The vantage of everyday also provides a relevance to non-archaeologists, everyday people, if you will. It can thus further education and stewardship and enliven interest in the discipline. Archaeologists will find inspiration in how to bring the everyday to their work and rethink their own everyday actions in terms of conducting archaeology and engaging the public. Additionally, although not written specifically for the non-archaeological audience, the volume serves as an engaging entry into archaeological thinking through exploration of various times and topics.