Parts and Wholes: object categorisation and fragmentation in prehistoric context

J C Chapman, Bisserka Gaydarska, 2011

Data copyright © Dr J C Chapman, Dr Bisserka Gaydarska unless otherwise stated


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Dr J C Chapman
Reader in Archaeology
Department of Archaeology
University of Durham
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  • ADS Collection: 462
  • doi:10.5284/1000419
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Introduction

Image of figurine

Female figurine from Tell Dolnoslav
© Archaeological Museum Plovdiv.

The 'Parts and Wholes' project is concerned with the relationship between complete objects and their fragments. The primary premise of the project can be concisely stated: deliberate object fragmentation was commonplace in the past, with widespread re-use of the ensuing fragments in an extended life 'after the break'. It has been the contention of much recent research that deliberate fragmentation is a fundamental feature of not only later Balkan prehistory but also of communities living in many other times/places. The evidence for deliberate fragmentation is increasing each year, both at the level of inter-site data and intra-site data, such that the social practice can no longer be ignored by anyone seriously interested in material culture.