EXARC Journal - Latest Articles

Conference Review: EXARC at the EAA, Belfast, September 2023

Author(s)
E. Giovanna Fregni 1

The purpose of the session was to bring together researchers working in different fields who engage in experimental archaeology as part of their work. Its aim was to fuse experimental and experiential archaeology with reconstructing past narratives. The session was well-attended, and not only because of the bespoke EXARC biscuits! The papers were divided into the categories of organic materials, pyrotechnic processes, and educational and cultural significance.

Nesshenge: an Experimental Neolithic Henge with 15 Years of Exposure

Author(s)
John Hill 1
Our understanding of the planning processes involved before any Neolithic structure was physically built, from the moment when it was conceived in a person’s mind up to the point of its construction requires further investigation for which experimental archaeology can provide some direction...

RETOLD: Unlocking the potential of archaeological house reconstructions by standardizing documentation in open-air museums – experiences from the Museumsdorf Düppel in Berlin, Germany

Author(s)
Julia Heeb 1 ✉,
Svea Röbke 1
The Museumsdorf Düppel – a medieval archaeological open-air museum in Berlin – is a good example a bottom-up museum project from the 1970’s. The idea to create an open-air museum was born after the excavation of a medieval settlement had brought to light several house features, wells and objects ranging from pottery sherds to iron artefacts, in south-western Berlin...

Book Review: Experimentelle Archäologie in Europa, Jahrbuch 2023

Author(s)
Svenja Fabian 1
Annual Proceedings of the EXAR Tagung
***The periodical is published by Gunter Schöbel and the European Association for the Advancement of Archaeology by Experiment e. V. (Europäische Vereinigung zur Förderung der Experimentellen Archäologie) in collaboration with the Pfahlbaummuseum Unterhuldingen...

Hay is for Horses: Making and Using a Traditional-Style Irish Straw Harness

Author(s)
Rena Maguire 1 ✉,
Robert Johnston 2
Publication Date
The lack of metal lorinery in the archaeological record of early medieval Ireland is addressed through a hypothesis that post-Iron Age bridles were made of straw and rushes, which did not survive deposition. Reconstruction and testing of a straw bridle show the material to be strong and quite suitable for vernacular use.

The Production of Roman Metal Screw Threads - Extended Version

Author(s)
David Sim 1 ✉,
Chris Legg 2
Publication Date
During the Roman period, small metal screw threads were used both as fastenings and to impart motion. This paper, which is an extended version of my previous article, will show that it is possible to produce metal screw threads using very simple technology. The tools and expertise to carry out this work is...