Identity Crisis: Archaeology and Problems of Social Identity
University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
November 13th to 15th 2009
Call for Presentation Abstracts
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. Some of the specific themes will include:
1. Construction and maintenance of identity through social memory
2. Architecture and iconography in the delineation of social identity and territory
3. Undressing Identity: Body modification and clothing as identity reinforcement
4. Dynamics of Colonization: Identity negotiation between migrant and colonized populations
5. The role of language and writing systems in social identity
6. Spatial analysis and intrasite variations of social identity
7. Shared and non-shared ideological aspects across and between cultural or ethnic groups
8. One Man's Meat is Another's Poison: The relationship between foodways and social identity
9. Social roles as defined by age sets, status and ethnicity within a population
10. Identity Theft: The effect of past and modern population identities in current archaeology
11. Skeletal indicators of identity
Please Note: These are presented as suggestions-other themes will also be considered
If interested in submitting an abstract, please see instructions on the Presenters page.
The Deadline for Submissions is March 31st, 2009