The goal of this project, started in 2012, was to reconstruct a Bronze Age hut using techniques, ... more The goal of this project, started in 2012, was to reconstruct a Bronze Age hut using techniques, methods, and raw materials consistent with the knowledge acquired during the excavation of Tornambè site (Pietraperzia, Enna), and from other known Sicilian and Southern Italian archaeological contexts. The objectives for the experimental process are to develop hypotheses and to better understand architectural procedures; to collect archaeological and anthropological data; and to widely distribute information and results among scholars (scientific publications) and the nonspecialist public. For all these reasons, each step in the process was described and recorded with photographs and videos, shared during conferences , featured on a website, and shared on social media networks.
Earthen materials are deeply present in the building traditions. Their study typifies a key analy... more Earthen materials are deeply present in the building traditions. Their study typifies a key analysis, not only for the history of architecture and technology but also for the investigation of social and economic dynamics. There is no experimental reference system for the technological and morphological variability in wattle and daub. It is possible to identify four main categories of experimental variables related to: raw materials, frame technology, daub technology and firing/decay processes. These variables are verifiable and can be documented by a settled protocol. In order to obtain a large amount of information, we opted for a prototype made of portions of full-scale walls.
PLAYING WITH THE TIME. EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE STUDY OF THE PAST, 2017
Earthen materials are deeply present in the building traditions. Their study typifies a key analy... more Earthen materials are deeply present in the building traditions. Their study typifies a key analysis, not only
for the history of architecture and technology but also for the investigation of social and economic dynamics.
There is no experimental reference system for the technological and morphological variability in wattle and
daub. It is possible to identify four main categories of experimental variables related to: raw materials, frame
technology, daub technology and firing/decay processes. These variables are verifiable and can be documented
by a settled protocol. In order to obtain a large amount of information, we opted for a prototype made of
portions of full-scale walls.
Th e goal of this project, started in 2012, was to reconstruct
a Bronze Age hut using techniques,... more Th e goal of this project, started in 2012, was to reconstruct a Bronze Age hut using techniques, methods, and raw materials consistent with the knowledge acquired during the excavation of Tornambè site (Pietraperzia, Enna), and from other known Sicilian and Southern Italian archaeological contexts. Each step in the process was described and recorded with photographs and videos, shared during conferences, featured on a website, and shared on social media networks.
Linda Hurcombe & Penny Cunningham (eds.) 2016: The life cycle of structures in experimental archaeology. Leiden: Sidestone Press.
The study of traditional shepherd’s huts is embedded into an ongoing experimental rebuilding proj... more The study of traditional shepherd’s huts is embedded into an ongoing experimental rebuilding project headed by a new association ArchaeoGreen. The aim of the project was to reconstruct a Bronze Age hut during September and October 2013. Traditional buildings are an incredible ethnographic source in Southern Italy, especially in Sicily where shepherds practices were, until recently, very developed and conservative (Germanà 1999; Lima 1984, 97-108; Rubino 1921). The study of vernacular architecture, together with the consultation and practical help of some traditional builders was extremely helpful in the hut rebuilding process. A combination of archaeological and ethnographic studies is commonly used in archaeology and all of these factors were incorporated into the plan and design of a Bronze Age hut. Taking advantage of contemporary ethnographic studies is rare but enables insights into the meaning placed upon plants; the information on the best time of year to collect and use them gives a further dimension to the life cycle approach that cannot be seen archaeologically.
Si tratta di brevi note inserite all'interno del volume 150 anni di Preistoria e Protostoria in I... more Si tratta di brevi note inserite all'interno del volume 150 anni di Preistoria e Protostoria in Italia, a cura di A. Guidi
; 8TH UK EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY CONFERENCE (Oxford, Jan 10-11th 2014) POSTER, Jan 11, 2014
Main aim of this preliminary study is the analysis of the results recorded during the experimenta... more Main aim of this preliminary study is the analysis of the results recorded during the experimental replicas making and use of four bronze axes, within the frame of the archaeological project of prehistoric hut rebuilding in Tornambé (Pietraperzia, Enna). The axes were cast starting from a tin bronze (8% Sn), and following the typical bronze age casting process gathered archaeological evidences, namely working tools and casting structures. Axes were refined through multiple cycles of heating, cooling, hammering and then finally polished with sandstone and fine sands. A database was created in order to compare all the macroscopic and microscopic observations on the used axes (use-wear analysis on the edges and surfaces); data have also been collected taking into account different contingencies (weather, time, worker, kind of activity, etc).
This paper takes inspiration from a traditional pastoral building, known in Central and Northern ... more This paper takes inspiration from a traditional pastoral building, known in Central and Northern Sicily (Italy) as “pagliaro” or “pagghiaru”. Our interest in this kind of architecture is linked to our Bronze Age hut rebuilding project. Besides the analysis of the data from the archaeological context, we’re collecting information about local use of vegetal materials and dry walls techniques, both developed in long term tradition.
The “pagghiaru” is a “hut” spread especially in Nebrodi, Madonie,
Peloritani, Erei Mountains in Sicily but known also in other regions of Southern Italy with local features. It was built until the half of 20th century by shepherds or farmers, but it is still used in many plots as shelter or cote. It has usually a round or oval shape, quite small in diameter, with a drystone wall of about 1,50-1,80 m made by mid-big stones; a strawy roof is self-substained, without the use of poles in the ground.
We collected as information as possible about some of these buildings in Madonie mountains, in order to analyze the choice of local raw materials, the architectural issues and - specifically for this congress - some of the destroying dynamics, availing ourselves of the help of the builders and local historical memory.
The goal of this project, started in 2012, was to reconstruct a Bronze Age hut using techniques, ... more The goal of this project, started in 2012, was to reconstruct a Bronze Age hut using techniques, methods, and raw materials consistent with the knowledge acquired during the excavation of Tornambè site (Pietraperzia, Enna), and from other known Sicilian and Southern Italian archaeological contexts. The objectives for the experimental process are to develop hypotheses and to better understand architectural procedures; to collect archaeological and anthropological data; and to widely distribute information and results among scholars (scientific publications) and the nonspecialist public. For all these reasons, each step in the process was described and recorded with photographs and videos, shared during conferences , featured on a website, and shared on social media networks.
Earthen materials are deeply present in the building traditions. Their study typifies a key analy... more Earthen materials are deeply present in the building traditions. Their study typifies a key analysis, not only for the history of architecture and technology but also for the investigation of social and economic dynamics. There is no experimental reference system for the technological and morphological variability in wattle and daub. It is possible to identify four main categories of experimental variables related to: raw materials, frame technology, daub technology and firing/decay processes. These variables are verifiable and can be documented by a settled protocol. In order to obtain a large amount of information, we opted for a prototype made of portions of full-scale walls.
PLAYING WITH THE TIME. EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE STUDY OF THE PAST, 2017
Earthen materials are deeply present in the building traditions. Their study typifies a key analy... more Earthen materials are deeply present in the building traditions. Their study typifies a key analysis, not only
for the history of architecture and technology but also for the investigation of social and economic dynamics.
There is no experimental reference system for the technological and morphological variability in wattle and
daub. It is possible to identify four main categories of experimental variables related to: raw materials, frame
technology, daub technology and firing/decay processes. These variables are verifiable and can be documented
by a settled protocol. In order to obtain a large amount of information, we opted for a prototype made of
portions of full-scale walls.
Th e goal of this project, started in 2012, was to reconstruct
a Bronze Age hut using techniques,... more Th e goal of this project, started in 2012, was to reconstruct a Bronze Age hut using techniques, methods, and raw materials consistent with the knowledge acquired during the excavation of Tornambè site (Pietraperzia, Enna), and from other known Sicilian and Southern Italian archaeological contexts. Each step in the process was described and recorded with photographs and videos, shared during conferences, featured on a website, and shared on social media networks.
Linda Hurcombe & Penny Cunningham (eds.) 2016: The life cycle of structures in experimental archaeology. Leiden: Sidestone Press.
The study of traditional shepherd’s huts is embedded into an ongoing experimental rebuilding proj... more The study of traditional shepherd’s huts is embedded into an ongoing experimental rebuilding project headed by a new association ArchaeoGreen. The aim of the project was to reconstruct a Bronze Age hut during September and October 2013. Traditional buildings are an incredible ethnographic source in Southern Italy, especially in Sicily where shepherds practices were, until recently, very developed and conservative (Germanà 1999; Lima 1984, 97-108; Rubino 1921). The study of vernacular architecture, together with the consultation and practical help of some traditional builders was extremely helpful in the hut rebuilding process. A combination of archaeological and ethnographic studies is commonly used in archaeology and all of these factors were incorporated into the plan and design of a Bronze Age hut. Taking advantage of contemporary ethnographic studies is rare but enables insights into the meaning placed upon plants; the information on the best time of year to collect and use them gives a further dimension to the life cycle approach that cannot be seen archaeologically.
Si tratta di brevi note inserite all'interno del volume 150 anni di Preistoria e Protostoria in I... more Si tratta di brevi note inserite all'interno del volume 150 anni di Preistoria e Protostoria in Italia, a cura di A. Guidi
; 8TH UK EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY CONFERENCE (Oxford, Jan 10-11th 2014) POSTER, Jan 11, 2014
Main aim of this preliminary study is the analysis of the results recorded during the experimenta... more Main aim of this preliminary study is the analysis of the results recorded during the experimental replicas making and use of four bronze axes, within the frame of the archaeological project of prehistoric hut rebuilding in Tornambé (Pietraperzia, Enna). The axes were cast starting from a tin bronze (8% Sn), and following the typical bronze age casting process gathered archaeological evidences, namely working tools and casting structures. Axes were refined through multiple cycles of heating, cooling, hammering and then finally polished with sandstone and fine sands. A database was created in order to compare all the macroscopic and microscopic observations on the used axes (use-wear analysis on the edges and surfaces); data have also been collected taking into account different contingencies (weather, time, worker, kind of activity, etc).
This paper takes inspiration from a traditional pastoral building, known in Central and Northern ... more This paper takes inspiration from a traditional pastoral building, known in Central and Northern Sicily (Italy) as “pagliaro” or “pagghiaru”. Our interest in this kind of architecture is linked to our Bronze Age hut rebuilding project. Besides the analysis of the data from the archaeological context, we’re collecting information about local use of vegetal materials and dry walls techniques, both developed in long term tradition.
The “pagghiaru” is a “hut” spread especially in Nebrodi, Madonie,
Peloritani, Erei Mountains in Sicily but known also in other regions of Southern Italy with local features. It was built until the half of 20th century by shepherds or farmers, but it is still used in many plots as shelter or cote. It has usually a round or oval shape, quite small in diameter, with a drystone wall of about 1,50-1,80 m made by mid-big stones; a strawy roof is self-substained, without the use of poles in the ground.
We collected as information as possible about some of these buildings in Madonie mountains, in order to analyze the choice of local raw materials, the architectural issues and - specifically for this congress - some of the destroying dynamics, availing ourselves of the help of the builders and local historical memory.
Uploads
Drafts by Kati Caruso
Papers by Kati Caruso
for the history of architecture and technology but also for the investigation of social and economic dynamics.
There is no experimental reference system for the technological and morphological variability in wattle and
daub. It is possible to identify four main categories of experimental variables related to: raw materials, frame
technology, daub technology and firing/decay processes. These variables are verifiable and can be documented
by a settled protocol. In order to obtain a large amount of information, we opted for a prototype made of
portions of full-scale walls.
a Bronze Age hut using techniques, methods, and raw
materials consistent with the knowledge acquired during
the excavation of Tornambè site (Pietraperzia, Enna),
and from other known Sicilian and Southern Italian
archaeological contexts. Each step in the process was
described and recorded with photographs and videos,
shared during conferences, featured on a website, and
shared on social media networks.
Traditional buildings are an incredible ethnographic source in Southern Italy, especially in Sicily where shepherds practices were, until recently, very developed and conservative (Germanà 1999; Lima 1984, 97-108; Rubino 1921).
The study of vernacular architecture, together with the consultation and
practical help of some traditional builders was extremely helpful in the hut rebuilding process. A combination of archaeological and ethnographic studies is commonly used in archaeology and all of these factors were incorporated into the plan and design of a Bronze Age hut. Taking advantage of contemporary ethnographic studies is rare but enables insights into the meaning placed upon plants; the information on the best time of year to collect and use them gives a further dimension to the life cycle approach that cannot be seen archaeologically.
Talks by Kati Caruso
The “pagghiaru” is a “hut” spread especially in Nebrodi, Madonie,
Peloritani, Erei Mountains in Sicily but known also in other regions of Southern Italy with local features. It was built until the half of 20th century by shepherds or farmers, but it is still used in many plots as shelter or cote. It has usually a round or oval shape, quite small in diameter, with a drystone wall of about 1,50-1,80 m made by mid-big stones; a strawy roof is self-substained, without the use of poles in the ground.
We collected as information as possible about some of these buildings in Madonie mountains, in order to analyze the choice of local raw materials, the architectural issues and - specifically for this congress - some of the destroying dynamics, availing ourselves of the help of the builders and local historical memory.
Posters by Kati Caruso
for the history of architecture and technology but also for the investigation of social and economic dynamics.
There is no experimental reference system for the technological and morphological variability in wattle and
daub. It is possible to identify four main categories of experimental variables related to: raw materials, frame
technology, daub technology and firing/decay processes. These variables are verifiable and can be documented
by a settled protocol. In order to obtain a large amount of information, we opted for a prototype made of
portions of full-scale walls.
a Bronze Age hut using techniques, methods, and raw
materials consistent with the knowledge acquired during
the excavation of Tornambè site (Pietraperzia, Enna),
and from other known Sicilian and Southern Italian
archaeological contexts. Each step in the process was
described and recorded with photographs and videos,
shared during conferences, featured on a website, and
shared on social media networks.
Traditional buildings are an incredible ethnographic source in Southern Italy, especially in Sicily where shepherds practices were, until recently, very developed and conservative (Germanà 1999; Lima 1984, 97-108; Rubino 1921).
The study of vernacular architecture, together with the consultation and
practical help of some traditional builders was extremely helpful in the hut rebuilding process. A combination of archaeological and ethnographic studies is commonly used in archaeology and all of these factors were incorporated into the plan and design of a Bronze Age hut. Taking advantage of contemporary ethnographic studies is rare but enables insights into the meaning placed upon plants; the information on the best time of year to collect and use them gives a further dimension to the life cycle approach that cannot be seen archaeologically.
The “pagghiaru” is a “hut” spread especially in Nebrodi, Madonie,
Peloritani, Erei Mountains in Sicily but known also in other regions of Southern Italy with local features. It was built until the half of 20th century by shepherds or farmers, but it is still used in many plots as shelter or cote. It has usually a round or oval shape, quite small in diameter, with a drystone wall of about 1,50-1,80 m made by mid-big stones; a strawy roof is self-substained, without the use of poles in the ground.
We collected as information as possible about some of these buildings in Madonie mountains, in order to analyze the choice of local raw materials, the architectural issues and - specifically for this congress - some of the destroying dynamics, availing ourselves of the help of the builders and local historical memory.