Ethnography and Ethno-archaeology

Description

About The Book: The book Ethnography and Ethno-Archaeology provides a comprehensive introduction to the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological foundations of ethnographic and ethno-archaeological research. It explores the meaning, scope, and evolution of ethnography, tracing its roots through the works of scholars such as Claude Lévi-Strauss, Clifford Geertz, and the Chicago School, while also addressing diverse approaches including symbolic interactionism, phenomenology, grounded theory, and ethno-methodology. The text situates ethnography in a variety of contexts, from education, work, and childhood enculturation to material culture and communication, while emphasizing the ethical considerations central to the discipline. Moving into ethno-archaeology, the book explains its concept, scope, and relationship to archaeology, anthropology, and ethnology. It highlights the importance of ethnographic analogies in reconstructing archaeological data, discusses methodological frameworks, and presents a critical account of debates within the field. Special attention is given to Indian contexts, such as foraging and cultivation practices, living megalithic traditions, and fishing economies, linking these with prehistoric and early agro-pastoral societies. The book also extends its analysis to Northeast India, exploring settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, shifting cultivation, and indigenous technologies of terracotta, bamboo, cane, and metallurgy. Additionally, the volume examines global perspectives by engaging with studies of hunter-gatherer societies such as the Eskimos, Bushmen, and Australian Aborigines. It concludes with a focus on research strategies, tools, and ethical challenges in conducting ethno-archaeological fieldwork. Overall, the book serves as an essential resource for students and researchers, bridging the gap between living cultural practices and archaeological interpretation.
Contents: 1. Ethnography, 2. Ethno-Archaeology, 3. Tribe and Caste in India, 4. Ethno-Archaeological Studies in Indian Settings, 5. Ethno-Archaeology in Northeast India, 6. Ethno-Archaeological Studies Outside India, 7.Ethnoarchaeological Research.