Cultural Site Formation Processes Affecting Shipwrecks and Shipping Mishap Sites

Abstract

Most studies of maritime site formation processes have concentrated upon the various natural and to a lesser extent cultural processes physically impacting the remnants of the vessel (the shipwreck) and closely associated artifacts, while ignoring wider influences that have resulted in the current archaeological record. This chapter explores how cultural processes not only affect the transformation of a ship into a shipwreck site but also how continuing human interactions can produce other archaeological sites that are equally important for understanding the archaeology of shipwrecks. In addition, we consider how wider cultural practices, systems, and ideologies also warrant investigation when researching behavioral aspects of shipwreck site formation processes.