Much of what archaeologists consider when studying households comes from underground deposits (privies, drains, fills, structural remains); but much important information is also available in the architectural remains of standing structures and associated landscapes (aka 'above-ground archaeology'). Thinking of the John Brown House in particular, but also referencing specific case studies in the readings, consider these questions about the symbolic and material spaces that houses and households occupy:
How might the John Brown House's artifacts, architectural elements (interior and exterior), and landscape convey information about what Yentsch calls the "world in action", or what Deetz calls the "mental structure or worldview" of the original inhabitants? Consider structural and critical interpretive approaches, and also examples of material culture discussed in the readings. What impression did these elements serve in the 18th century? What impression do these elements give today? Who was and is included and excluded in these symbolic messages?
Valerie Bondura Critical Response Week 3.docx
