It's Good to Be King: The Archaeology of Power and Authority
Power and authority provide the framework for societies the world over, and have done so, arguably from the dawn of social interaction between the human species. This year’s topic is an attempt to analyze and provide an examination of power, authority and respect, in regards to the various ways that it is incorporated within the archaeological record.
Power is manifested via a multitude of sociocultural structures, and is seen across societies in the form of monumental architecture, religious institutions, rulers, and armies. It is also present on a smaller scale, within familial relationships, guilds, and neighborhoods. Cultural symbols reinforce this ever present and pervasive factor, such as ear spools within Mesoamerica, ranks within a military unit, or styles and manners of dress. Based solely on these few examples alone, a plethora of archaeological research can be conducted, and these few examples are by no means the extent of possible areas for potential research and presentation.
Tentative Conference Session Topics:
- “Queens” of the Stone Age: The Role of Women within Power Structures
- Temples, Tombs and Stele: The Representation of Power through the Ages
- Alternative Power: Modes and Structures of Authority
- Family Ties: Respect and Authority on a Personal Level
- Warfare: Archaeology of the Rank and File
- Bodily Power: How Body Modifications Reflect Power Structures
- “Art”ifactual Evidence: Power as Manifested by Personal Ornamentation and Art
- Deus Lovolt: Power and Religion
- You Are What You Wear: Clothing as Evidence for Social Status
- Lexicon of Power: The Role of Language and Propaganda within Social Structures
Abstracts of approximately 150 words should be sent by fax to (403) 282-9567 or via email to: arkcon41@ucalgary.ca
Confirmed plenary speakers include: Norman Yoffee, Susan Jamieson, Randy McGuire, and Zhichun Jing
You may download a PDF copy of our call for papers here (70 Kb).