| Popis: |
In the early part of the 20th Century Egyptologists were often on the cutting edge of archaeological practice, but in the latter part of the century, Egyptology had seemingly fallen behind other areas of the world in regard to methodology and archaeological theory. A historical survey covering not just the development of Egyptology, but also of archaeological theory is provided to support this contention. This dissertation then reviews this situation and seeks to remedy it by providing a theoretical methodology for interpreting Egyptian sites. Instead of selecting either processualism or post-processualism or holistic explanations as a sole theoretical model, the question is ask and answered as to what kind of theoretical methodology should be developed for use in Egypt. The Pluralistic Contextual Approach is introduced, which builds on the interpretive works scholars such as Lynn Meskell and Stuart Tyson Smith. It features the use and interplay of textual, artistic/representational, archaeological data sets which are then examined through an integrated, mutually supporting theoretical structure drawn from both processualism and post-processualism to provide interpretive insights into Egyptian culture. Two Middle Kingdom (2055-1650 BC) sites, Kahun and Buhen, were chosen as case studies. These case studies were not intended to be full reinterpretations of the sites, but rather to demonstrate the interpretive value of the Pluralistic Contextual Approach. The case studies focus on interpretations of social class at these sites using this methodology, thus providing indications of class relations and hierarchies in Middle Kingdom Egypt. |
