Two Categories

According to Annette Laming-Emperaire there are two ways archeologist divide prehistoric history ‘One consisted in gathering artifacts and then dividing and subdividing them in rigorously exact and objective enumeration of places, dates, sizes, and shapes.This work would establish a template of places where future artifacts could be arranged in order. For some, the field of prehistory stopped here”….”Researchers who used the second method begin with this chronological and geographical order but try to wring a vivid, living past from it.” (pg.141, The Cave Painters). But I would have to disagree with this statement, because being an archaeologist myself (not in title, but in study and practice) there doesn't seem to be an easy way to break up all of this. Yes, archaeologist have their specialties and specific areas of study, but in order to become a well rounded archeologist they should incorporate both categories into their research. I feel like most archaeologist will almost see this as two steps in the process of the ultimate goal to bring the past to life instead of as two separate categories. Yes archaeologist gather very, very meticulously artifacts and then divide and subdivide these meticulously into a compilation of places, dates, times, etc. But they also use this data to not only gain knowledge at that specific site or unit, but also regionally as well. geography plays a huge role in this field, I personally spent 3 weeks this last summer using a GPS to map the topography and structural density while on my second trip to an Mesoamerican field school. This provides us with great data to use later to create accurate maps to the areas of study. One of the most important features of an archaeological dig is to find chronology of that specific site but also background research on the known chronology of the area. This is all to fill in the missing pieces to the past or in essence to bring the past to life.  The statement made by Laming-Emperaire, even though fairly recent may be outdated by today's standards, in order to give the most accurate picture of human occupation in prehistory is to combine the two categories into one large category.