Archaeology as Communication

This chapter discusses archaeology as a system of communication, one that is directed both inward towards other archaeologists, and outward towards the wider world. Inwardly, we offer a realm of debate and discussion of what we do, how we do it and what we thereby create, and in a range of different modes representing particular purposes. The ultimate purpose of such inward communication is to create a sense of unity among archaeologists. Outward communication is also conducted in a range of modes, but here the purpose is to distinguish the archaeologist from other categories of person and support claims of authority to speak about pasts, presents and futures.