Assemblage 6

A critique of post-processual thinking, interpretation and hermeneutics, from the perspective of the theory of `natural attitude'. Argues that post-processual archaeology is actually contained within the horizon of processualism while only feigning to be a more critical approach to the past and that it has an exaggerated and ill examined sense of the worth and utility of non-archaeologically indigenous theorising. There is a response from Julian Thomas, with a further comment from the author.

Explores the potential of phenomenology as an additional tool to aid the study of historical archaeology. Includes a case study of the central Somerset churches of Shapwick and Moorlinch.

Engages with the study of clay pipes by concentrating upon their functional role. Suggests that archaeologists should recognise that clay pipes form only one element of a larger `tobacco consumption package', while they also represent only one of a number of alternative modes of tobacco consumption.

A discussion of the precise meanings and implications of the archaeological terms `embedded' economies and `disembedded' economies. The history of the terms is briefly explored and current attitudes to them within economic sociology are examined with reference to their usage in archaeology. Additionally, the dangers of confusing metaphor for explanation are outlined with reference to the uses of the notions of embeddedness and disembeddedness within archaeology.