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Published:29/09/2025Language:EnglishPages:204, Illustrated throughout in black & white and colour.BAR Number: S3230Series: BAR International Series

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Investigating Consumption: The Archaeology of Social Practice

Name: Investigating Consumption: The Archaeology of Social Practice
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Papers in honour of Penelope Allison on the occasion of her retirement

Edited by Daniël P. van Helden and Victoria Szafara

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Description

The potential of material remains to relay information about the past – including how they were used and why – lies at the heart of archaeological inquiry. Nevertheless, theoretically-informed consumption-oriented approaches are relatively new in the field of archaeology. The papers within this volume demonstrate the benefits of applying a consumption-focussed lens to gain new insight into past social practices.

The chapters explore diverse topics and encompass a range of time periods and materials, with particular strengths in Roman archaeology, ceramic remains, and the relationships between material culture and domestic space. The papers, including an introduction to consumption theory and a series of case studies, address a range of practical challenges through a range of up-to-date research methodologies.

This volume is inspired by the internationally-recognised pioneering work of Penelope (Pim) Allison, whose innovative, consumption-focussed work on sites ranging from Roman Pompeii to the nineteenth century Australian outback, have refined and redefined our understandings of domestic life, gender, and space in the past. It is offered as a celebration, on the occasion of her retirement, of her enduring legacy in the study of the archaeology of consumption.

About the Editor

Daniël P. van Helden is a Roman archaeologist whose interests range from artificial intelligence in archaeology to the ways in which historical fiction can aid archaeologists.

Victoria Szafara is a Roman archaeologist specialising in small finds (particularly related to items of dress and adornment), with particular interests in gender, provincial contexts, and the history of collecting.

List of contributors: Bradley A. Ault, Andrew Birley, Nicholas J. Cooper, Aedeen Cremin, Rubén Montoya González, Cristina M. Hernández, Lisa Nevett, Alessandra Pegurri, Nick M. Ray, Matthew D. Selheimer, Victoria Szafara, Daniël P. van Helden, Anna Walas.

Reviews

‘This volume is a fitting testament to the impact of the research of Penelope Allison on consumption and household archaeology. The diverse contributions showcase a range of approaches to both ever-growing bodies of archaeological big data and important legacy data from older excavations, making this a must read for anyone interested in the archaeology of consumption in the Roman world and beyond.’ Professor Martin Pitts, University of Exeter.

‘The contributors are well-chosen, allowing for a wide-ranging survey of recent research into the ways in which the detritus of discard illuminates our understanding of household activities – particularly those of the ancient world.’ Emeritus Professor Dominic Perring, UCL