Typologies: questions and examples in historical perspective

Abstract

In this contribution, the various questions that can be asked of artefacts to be classified will be briefly addressed. Questions on chronology and technology; questions on the techno-anthropological context of use that force us to raise our gaze from the single artefact to the surrounding universe; questions on what was the social use of artefacts (for distinctions of rank, gender, age, etc., but also for interactions aimed at establishing, or overcoming, limits and boundaries); questions on artefacts as means of exchange (of goods, but also of information or values); questions on what people thought of the artefacts they had (importance, but also indifference or rejection).

In conclusion, a brief reflection on the definition of material culture and the fact that distinguishing attributes to identify types (and variants) is important if it is to recognise and explain unique items, exceptions and variants.