R. Tringham
Dept. of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA

This paper describes a project that is currently being carried out in collaboration with the Interactive University of UC Berkeley in which a relational database comprising the contexts, materials, observations, record and interpretations in visual, numerical and textual format from Neolithic excavations in Turkey (Çatalhöyük) and Yugoslavia (Opovo) provides the basic architecture for a series of hyperlinked stories and "vignettes". The vignettes comprise an interface on the Internet through which a multi-generational and multivocal public can explore and respect and contribute to cultural heritage. They are guided through the exploration of real data and can contribute dynamically with their own questions and interpretations. The emphasis here is on interpretations at an intimate scale which are followed through and evaluated through the fictional narrative genre. The aim of the project is to provide an interface which seamlessly allows access to primary archaeological data in a way which is neither intimidating, nor mystifying, but which encourages critical enquiry, responsibility and the use of the imagination in the creation of heritage places by teachers and students of all levels..
Key words: Hypermedia, Narrative, Neolithic, Imagination, Heritage