ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the influence of computers on archaeological modes of perception. The fact that computers are important elements of archaeological assemblages has effects far beyond spheres of discovery. The extraordinary power of computers for modeling and visualizing archaeological data leads inevitably to shifts in organizational and political structures of the discipline. Archaeological illustrations are increasingly created using Illustrator, Corel Draw or Autocad. Most are skilled in multiple aspects of computer use, in addition to the more traditional craft skills of archaeological practice. Many craft skills of archaeological interpretation are embodied competences, learned and enacted through sequences of muscular movements that are irreducible to computerized procedures. Both archaeological and anthropological ontologies have to be rethought in the light of the widespread influence of computers and digital communication networks. Many archaeologists with doctorates have great experience of screen-work yet practically none of spade-work.
