Introduction

The spatial analysis of dwellings in Iron II Judah and the concentration on their food-preparation vessels and installations offers some interesting suggestions regarding the daily preparation of food in both urban and rural environments. After the initial spatial analysis, the second aspect of household archaeology occurs by including the addition of other resources to clarify and expand upon the suggestions made. In general, these secondary resources can include (in no particular order): archaeological comparative data, texts, representational art, ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological studies, experimental archaeology, scientific analysis, and studies of gender. More specifically, this research will utilize: ethnographic, ethnoarchaeological, and experimental archaeological studies of present-day traditional societies in the Middle East, representational art, and extra-biblical ancient Near Eastern texts to illuminate how food was and still is prepared.

Definitions

Ethnography, ethnoarchaeology, and experimental archaeology

Present-day traditional societies are a primary analogous resource for ethnographic, ethnoarchaeological, and experimental archaeological studies. Unfortunately, with the ever-increasing spread of modernity and technology these traditional societies are becoming increasingly rare. Before explaining how these analogous secondary resources will be used, a brief reminder of their definitions is appropriate.

Ethnography is “the study of contemporary cultures through direct observation,” while ethnoarchaeology is “the study of contemporary cultures in order to understand the behaviors and relationships that underlie the production and use of the material culture of a past society”.