The Significance of Facts

Abstract

This article suggests methods for recognising and recovering symbolic significance in archaeological material. It develops the idea that there are three principal (and overlapping) spheres of the human world. In the first, 'artefacts' have a practical purpose and function physically on their immediate surroundings. In the second sphere, 'institutions' have a social purpose and function to organise human relationships. In the third, 'texts' have a communicative purpose and function through symbolic significance. Application of the 'elimination method' starts by testing the first two spheres before undertaking an analysis of possible symbolic significance. The paper uses prehistoric fortifications and houses with sunken floors in Bohemia as examples.

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