### The Future of Archaeology: Experimental Archaeology at Kent State University
Archaeology has traditionally conjured visions of uncovering ancient artifacts and reconstructing the narratives of bygone civilizations. Yet, for Metin Eren, an archaeologist at Kent State University, the discipline extends far beyond mere excavation. Eren imagines a future where experimental archaeology—a practical, scientific method for exploring ancient technologies—becomes predominant.
Eren, who heads the **Experimental Archaeology Laboratory** at Kent State, has dedicated more than twenty years to mastering flint-knapping, the time-honored technique of crafting stone tools. His laboratory serves as a nexus for creativity, where he and his team delve into ancient technologies, reversing engineering artifacts ranging from Stone Age implements to pottery and textiles. With an impressive output of 15 to 20 research papers each year, Eren’s endeavors meld thorough scientific inquiry with a spark of imagination, frequently gaining public interest for its vibrant experiments.
### A Hands-On Approach to Ancient Technologies
Experimental archaeology is far from playful mimicry or historical reenactment, as Eren is eager to assert. “It’s not playtime. It’s hardcore science,” he declares. To Eren, the creation of a stone tool parallels a chemist’s activities in a laboratory—it serves as a vital part of a comprehensive experimental process designed to address particular scientific inquiries.
Eren’s laboratory is furnished with instruments and resources that facilitate a variety of experiments. From a ballistics range for evaluating ancient weaponry to kilns for pottery-making, the lab is an expansive field for scientific exploration. Students and researchers replicate historical methods to grasp how tools were fashioned, utilized, and adapted over time. For instance, Eren’s team has assessed the performance of Clovis points, spear tips wielded by early North American hunters, in tasks such as butchering bison.
### The Art and Science of Flint-Knapping
Flint-knapping, the art of crafting stone tools, stands as a fundamental aspect of Eren’s research. Mastering this craft requires years of dedication, intertwining artistry and scientific principles. Eren’s skill enables him to anticipate how stone fractures under certain circumstances, allowing him to replicate tools with remarkable accuracy.
The technique involves striking a chert or flint piece with another rock to detach shards that can function as cutting edges. Safety is of the utmost importance, as these shards are incredibly sharp and injuries are frequent. Eren often employs bone tools during the finer stages of shaping, a method reflective of ancient techniques.
Additionally, Eren’s laboratory investigates the cultural and musical dimensions of flint-knapping. One of his students, a musician, examined the pitches and tones produced by the percussive sounds of flint-knapping, adding an intriguing layer to the research.
### Testing Ancient Myths and Legends
Eren’s lab has gained notoriety for its inventive experiments that challenge anthropological folklore. In 2019, Eren captured attention by examining the authenticity of a tale about an Inuit individual who supposedly crafted a knife from frozen feces. Eren recreated the knife and assessed its cutting capabilities on pig hide and muscle, only to conclude that it failed all tests. While this investigation disproved the myth, it earned Eren an **Ig Nobel Prize** for its unique combination of humor and scientific rigor.
These experiments underscore the lab’s commitment to transforming myths and legends into the domain of empirical science. “Imagine if you’re a geneticist studying fruit flies and you do one study and nobody repeats it,” Eren remarks. For him, experimental archaeology is about constructing a knowledge base through replication and meticulous testing.
### The Challenges of Experimental Archaeology
Despite its potential, experimental archaeology encounters distinct obstacles. A significant concern is the “Poltergeist of the Unpreserved,” a term Eren uses—referring to the reality that numerous materials employed in ancient tools, like wood or adhesives, often do not withstand the test of time. This complicates efforts to comprehensively understand how tools were made and utilized.
Another hurdle is the idea of **equifinality**, where disparate processes can yield identical archaeological outcomes. For example, a Clovis point located near a mammoth might suggest that it was used to hunt the creature—or it might have been employed for butchering or even misplaced there inadvertently. Experimental archaeology seeks to probe these possibilities, yet conclusive answers remain elusive.
### Gender and Technology: The Atlatl as an Equalizer
One of the lab’s most captivating discoveries involves the **atlatl**, an ancient spear-throwing device. Eren’s colleague, Michelle Bebber, identified that the atlatl balances the projectile speeds of throws by both men and women. Unlike javelins that depend on physical might, the atlatl’s design permits a whip-like motion, thereby equalizing performance. This finding carries significance for comprehending gender dynamics in ancient communities, as well as the atlatl’s broader applications for youth.
