week 4 discussion anth

 You have been assigned a reading by WMF Petrie; Diospolis Parva (posted as a pdf folder).  

You needn’t read the whole volume; I would like you to concentrate on pp.(4-12) which outlines Petrie’s method.

Further information about Petrie’s method can be found in Bard in box 5-A, pp. 100-102.

For this discussion, answer the following questions;

1. Why does Petrie invent sequence dating? What kinds of artifacts does Petrie use to construct his relative sequence?

 

2. Why is the following statement important for “anchoring” Petrie’s method in time?

 “The most clear series of derived forms is that of the wavy handled vases (Class W)…side by side with this (Class) W pottery… we have seen to be later than the rest, as it links to the historic age… lettered L,” (Petrie 1901:5).

3. Why do you think Petrie’s method reflects the passage of time?

Your answer should be 3-4 paragraphs.