Settling with the norm?: Norm and variation in social groups and their material manifestations in (Roman) Iron Age (800 BC-AD 300) settlement sites of the northern Netherlands

When studying later prehistoric societies, it is important to consider both shared practices and variations in material culture. This book explores housebuilding practices, general deposition practices, and special deposition practices from (Roman) Iron Age settlements in the northern Netherlands, highlighting how normativity and variation can be understood in different ways. It also aims to understand how typochronologies and researcher choices influence our understanding of the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2021
Publisher: Sidestone Press

When delving into the study of later prehistoric societies, it becomes evident that a tapestry of shared practices and variations exists within the settlement record. Traditionally, the focus has largely been on the elements that permeated across vast regions, the widely shared norms. However, the study of material culture has received relatively limited attention, a regrettable oversight. By examining both the norm and variation in material culture, we gain valuable insights into how individuals weave their way into larger communities while simultaneously asserting their affiliations with smaller social groups.

In this book, we explore the multifaceted world of housebuilding practices, general deposition practices, and special deposition practices from (Roman) Iron Age settlements in the northern Netherlands. We examine these practices on various scales, recognizing that they can exhibit both similarities and differences simultaneously. Through our analyses, we seek to understand normativity and variation in material culture from different perspectives.

For the entirety of our research, we propose that housebuilding and (special) deposition practices be understood as interconnected practices, where spatial and social scales played distinct roles throughout the study period. Moreover, we have discovered that the degree of normativity and variation visible in the archaeological record varied between subperiods, even within individual practices. This implies that while one practice may emphasize large-scale affiliations, another practice may highlight the significance of smaller social groups.

Beyond seeking a deeper understanding of the (Roman) Iron Age societies in the northern Netherlands, this thesis also aims to unravel how the use of typochronologies and the choices researchers make shape our interpretation of the past. By examining these factors, we hope to enhance our comprehension of the complexities and nuances of human behavior and societal dynamics during this pivotal period.

Dimension: 280 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789464280210