Adventures in Archaeology

The Wreck of the Orca II and Other Explorations

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Archaeology, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture
Cover of the book Adventures in Archaeology by P.J. Capelotti, University Press of Florida
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: P.J. Capelotti ISBN: 9780813063614
Publisher: University Press of Florida Publication: September 12, 2018
Imprint: University Press of Florida Language: English
Author: P.J. Capelotti
ISBN: 9780813063614
Publisher: University Press of Florida
Publication: September 12, 2018
Imprint: University Press of Florida
Language: English

Remnants of the curious and peculiar ways humankind has marked the archaeological landscape are abundant but often ignored: wrecked aircraft, abandoned airfields, old highway billboards, derelict boats, movie props, and deserted mining operations. In this book, archaeologist P.J. Capelotti explores places and things that people do not typically think of as archaeological sites and artifacts, introducing readers to the most extreme fieldwork taking place today. Capelotti shows that even seemingly ordinary objects from the recent past hold secrets about the cultural history of humans. He investigates the site where a stunt copy of the Orca, the fishing boat used in the movie Jaws, was stripped to pieces by fans—a revelation of the ways humans relate to popular culture. He takes readers to abandoned base camps near the North Pole that are now used as destinations for Arctic tourism. Retelling the story of Thor Heyerdahl’s research expedition across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa log raft, Capelotti shows how experimental archaeology attempts to reveal cultural connections between continents. And he doesn’t stop at the limits of the planet. He discusses debris floating through outer space and equipment left behind on the surface of the moon, highlighting current efforts to preserve artifacts that exist beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. These discarded materials, says Capelotti, help archaeologists piece together the sweeping story of human cultural expansion and exploitation. He explains how the unusual sites of shorelines, sea, air, and space represent the farthest reaches of human civilization. His enthusiasm will inspire readers to set out on their own to investigate the secret meanings of treasures hiding in plain sight.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Remnants of the curious and peculiar ways humankind has marked the archaeological landscape are abundant but often ignored: wrecked aircraft, abandoned airfields, old highway billboards, derelict boats, movie props, and deserted mining operations. In this book, archaeologist P.J. Capelotti explores places and things that people do not typically think of as archaeological sites and artifacts, introducing readers to the most extreme fieldwork taking place today. Capelotti shows that even seemingly ordinary objects from the recent past hold secrets about the cultural history of humans. He investigates the site where a stunt copy of the Orca, the fishing boat used in the movie Jaws, was stripped to pieces by fans—a revelation of the ways humans relate to popular culture. He takes readers to abandoned base camps near the North Pole that are now used as destinations for Arctic tourism. Retelling the story of Thor Heyerdahl’s research expedition across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa log raft, Capelotti shows how experimental archaeology attempts to reveal cultural connections between continents. And he doesn’t stop at the limits of the planet. He discusses debris floating through outer space and equipment left behind on the surface of the moon, highlighting current efforts to preserve artifacts that exist beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. These discarded materials, says Capelotti, help archaeologists piece together the sweeping story of human cultural expansion and exploitation. He explains how the unusual sites of shorelines, sea, air, and space represent the farthest reaches of human civilization. His enthusiasm will inspire readers to set out on their own to investigate the secret meanings of treasures hiding in plain sight.

More books from University Press of Florida

Cover of the book State of Defiance by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book A New Orleans Voudou Priestess by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Getaway Money by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Going Ape by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Key West on the Edge by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Monumental Dreams by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Pilgrim in the Land of Alligators: More Stories about Real Florida by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Trout by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book The Union, the Confederacy, and the Atlantic Rim by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Manatee Insanity by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book 50 Great Walks in Florida by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Travels on the St. Johns River by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Carnival and National Identity in the Poetry of Afrocubanismo by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Home-Again Blues by P.J. Capelotti
Cover of the book Saving South Beach by P.J. Capelotti
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy