Book•
The Archaeology of Ethnicity: Constructing Identities in the Past and Present
01 Jan 1997-
TL;DR: Sian Jones as mentioned in this paper argues for a fundamentally different view of ethnicity, as a complex dynamic form of identification, requiring radical changes in archaeological analysis and interpretation, and presents a comprehensive and critical synthesis of recent theories of ethnicity in the human sciences.
Abstract: The question of ethnicity is highly controversial in contemporary archaeology. Indigenous and nationalist claims to territory, often rely on reconstructions of the past based on the traditional identification of 'cultures' from archaeological remains. Sian Jones responds to the need for a reassessment of the ways in which social groups are identified in the archaeological record, with a comprehensive and critical synthesis of recent theories of ethnicity in the human sciences. In doing so, she argues for a fundamentally different view of ethnicity, as a complex dynamic form of identification, requiring radical changes in archaeological analysis and interpretation.
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28 Nov 2005
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the potential for the application of the concept of "present-past" in the study of the history of archaeology and suggest that this category provides archaeologists with a useful model in order to understand (A) the role of our present concepts and ideas in the definition of the past and (B) the impact of archaeological finds on modern Western societies.
Abstract: In this paper we will investigate the potential for the application of the concept of "present-past" in the study of the history of archaeology. We suggest that this category provides archaeologists with a useful model in order to understand (A) the role of our present concepts and ideas in the definition of the past and (B) the impact of archaeological finds on modern Western societies. Taking the example of the cave of Altamira into account, we will analyse first the importance of assumptions deeply embedded in Western culture in the definition of Palaeolithic art at the end of nineteenth century. Secondly, we will show the influence (economic, cultural, political) that Palaeolithic art exerts on our modern societies. Through this examination, we will show the way in which the concept of "present-past" can be used in history of science.
4 citations
TL;DR: Guests in the House as mentioned in this paper describes the cultural transmission between Slavs and Scandinavians from 900 to 1300 AD, focusing on the role of Slavs in the cultural exchange between the two cultures.
Abstract: Guests in the House. Cultural Transmission between Slavs and Scandinavians 900 to 1300 AD 1 Mats Roslund Leiden/Boston, Brill, 2007 558 pp., €134.00, ISBN 978-90-04-16189-4 When in 2001 I recommend...
4 citations
13 Jan 2020
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the construction of regional identities in the Early Bronze Age through the temporal variation in burial practice in Southwest Norway using Earthen barrows from the regions Etne, Karmøy, Jæren, and Lista.
Abstract: This book explores the construction of regional identities in the Early Bronze Age through the temporal variation in burial practice in Southwest Norway. Earthen barrows from the regions Etne, Karmøy, Jæren, and Lista are used as the archaeological source for this study. How historically constituted structures together with external practice form part of an open-ended process of identity construction is investigated. Previous research has often used a set, rigid definition of identity, and earthen barrows along the coast of Southwest Norway have therefore frequently been portrayed as part of a southern Scandinavian culture. These perceptions are not necessarily wrong, but neglect the complicated processes that give rise to groups. In this study it is argued that patterns found in the material remains, both unintentional and intentional, express regional variation. Through a quantitative methodology based on a selection of focus points and spatial analysis in ArcGIS the multifaceted process behind identity construction is showcased. As a result, the southwest coast of Norway during the Early Bronze Age can be seen as a more complex and dynamic region. Although many similarities between regions are shared, they are also clearly divided and competitive.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an analisis of rayos X with equipo portatil de 251 fragmentos of ceramica (tipos Dupont, Ayquina, and variantes Turi) of varios sitios del Intermedio Tardio indicate that estos tipos ceramicos forman two grupos quimicos distintos vinculados a las dos regiones.
Abstract: Durante el periodo Intermedio Tardio las comunidades de San Pedro de Atacama y del Loa Superior produjeron tipos ceramicos similares. La ceramica, junto a otros materiales, sugieren una intensificacion de una identidad regional compartida durante este periodo. El analisis de fluorescencia de rayos X con equipo portatil de 251 fragmentos de ceramica (tipos Dupont, Ayquina y variantes Turi) de varios sitios del Intermedio Tardio indico que estos tipos ceramicos forman dos grupos quimicos distintos vinculados a las dos regiones. Poca cantidad de fragmentos con valores quimicos del Loa Superior fueron identificados en la muestra de San Pedro, y ninguno con los valores de San Pedro se encontro en la del Loa Superior. Lo anterior sugiere que en ambas zonas se usaron materias primas propias y locales para coproducir los principales estilos, senalando la existencia de una identidad supra-regional. Estos resultados discuten el modelo de un poder diferencial durante el periodo Tardio para explicar estos patrones.
4 citations