Experimental Archaeology in the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia

Abstract

The Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya (MAC) was created under the Museums of Catalonia Act in 1990 by the Department of Culture of the Government of Catalonia. Its foundation dates back to 1932. The museum carries out various activities related to Experimental Archaeology projects in the fields of both education and research. It is particularly active in the framework of Neolithic research projects on techno-functional aspects of such artisanal crafts as lithic reduction, woodworking and house-building. The MAC also participates in university training in archaeology at the UAB (Barcelona). They teach subjects where experimental practice is the basis of training. In this sense, the museum directs research work (PhD and Master's degree projects) with an emphasis on experimentation. Regarding outreach, the museum includes in its educational offer demonstrative and participatory activities with active public involvement as a vital part. Finally, the MAC incorporates graphic and audio-visual material in its exhibitions when experimental reproduction of techno-functional processes are essential for the transmission of the exhibition message. At the present time, the MAC is developing a project where experimentation will be consolidated as the axis of outreach, academic training activity and its research.

Keywords

• teaching
• newest era
• spain
• experimental archaeology
• museum
• education