November 13−15, 2009

This 42nd Annual Chacmool Conference is hosted by the Chacmool Archaeological Association and the Department of Archaeology, University of Calgary.

Identity Crisis:
Archaeology and Problems of Social Identity

The identity of past populations is a continuing challenge to archaeology.  While certain social groups erected temples or monoliths to stake a claim to geographical territory, others defined their identity through alternate means. Archaeologists must grapple with the implications of modern groups who identify themselves through historic and prehistoric populations, being aware of biases in the interpretation of past identities. The fluidity of identity further complicates the interpretation of the archaeological record, prompting archaeologists to attempt to do so by focusing on contrasting aspects of the culture.  The 2009 Chacmool conference will bring together scholars and students investigating diverse dimensions of this challenging topic.

News and Updates (as of November 9th, 2009)

• Update:  Online registration and fee payment has been terminated.  You may register and purchase banquet tickets at the conference.
• Update:  Banquet prices are now $30 due to final contract agreement with our banquet venue.
• Call for Papers: Abstracts will now be accepted until October 31st, 2009.  Please submit abstracts via this site.  Further information can be found here.  Please download and send the PDF version of the Call to interested parties, or simply point them to this site.

• Our 2009 keynote speakers are:
  
  • Siân Jones - University of Manchester, author of "The Archaeology of Ethnicity: Constructing Identities in Past and Present"
  • Alice Kehoe - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, author of "America Before the European Invasions"; "The Ghost Dance: Ethnohistory and Revitalization"; and "The Land of Prehistory"
  • Andrew Gardner - University College London, author of "Agency Uncovered: Archaeological Perspectives on Social Agency" and "Archaeology of Identity"
  • Joanna Sofaer - University of Southampton- author of "Children and Material Culture" and "The Body as Material Culture. A Theoretical Osteoarchaeology"
  • Ross Jamieson - Simon Fraser University- journal articles- "Material Culture and Social Death: African-American Burial Practices" and "Bolts of Cloth and Sherds of Pottery: Impressions of Caste in the Material Culture of the Seventeenth Century Audiencia of Quito"