Confusion exists between 'Experimental' Archaeology and 'experiential' archaeology. Experimental Archaeology is a bona fide academic sub-disciple that attempts to replicate prehistoric technology for the purposes of answering academic questions involving cultural and biological evolution. Experiential archaeology does not answer any question. Instead, it serves as a tool for educating the public, students, and professionals. Often times, experiential archaeology provides the skills necessary for future experiments or questions dealt with in Experimental Archaeology. Unfortunately, confusion between the the two archaeologies regarding scope, scale, and goals has hindered the contribution of Experimental Archaeology towards the study of history, prehistory, and human evolution.
Above and below are some photographs of 'experiential' archaeology: skinning, butchery, hide-prepation (and other activities) of Irish deer for the purposes of providing students and professionals with the skills necessary to conduct their own experiments involving their own specific questions (or simply allowing researchers to hone their skills). Left picture: M. Eren skinning. Center picture (above): M. Eren and K. Verkooijen retrieving sinew. Right picture (below): M. Eren hide-scraping.
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