Session: #225

Theme & Session Format

Theme:
1. Archaeologists and Archaeology Here and Now
Session format:
Regular session

Title & Content

Title:
Anarchy and Archaeology: Towards New Theoretical and Practical Perspectives
Content:
This session aims to explore the implications of anarchist archaeology in both research, and contemporary political and social issues. In recent years, there have been various developments at the intersection between anarchism and archaeology. In the last decade there have been a growing number of studies, including collaborative research with indigenous groups, that reveal how both ancient and contemporary societies have functioned without, or actively rejected hierarchical forms of organization. Likewise, research on gender and queerness have created new, inclusive histories and archaeologies that look beyond binaries to focus on oppression and resistance.

In this session we want to explore anarchy as both archaeological theory and as praxis in our daily and professional lives. What can anarchist theories contribute to the interpretation of archaeological evidence? And how might anarchist practices transform our (often hierarchical) archaeological working environments?

We welcome contributions from speakers and collectives that explore (but are not limited to):

- Anarchist theories in archaeology,
- Archaeological evidence of non-hierarchical societies or rejection of power relations,
- Re-interpretation of data in the light of new anarchic perspective,
- Explorations of how and why societies rejected and opposed state level of organization,
- Theoretical and practical anti- or decolonial practice in archaeology.

Likewise, in times of pandemic and financial crisis, we encourage papers that present alternative/anarchist ways to fight against hierarchical structures, mental oppression, and gender discrimination by adopting egalitarian, bottom-up, and mutual-aid practices.

The main aim of the session is to broaden our knowledge of anarchy in practical and theoretical archaeology, and to have an opportunity to discuss and explore new forms of resistance.
Keywords:
anarchism, egalitarianism, praxis
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:
Black Trowel Collective

Organisers

Main organiser:
Gabriel Moshenska (United Kingdom) 1
Co-organisers:
Aris Politopoulos (Netherlands) 2
Roberto Arciero (Netherlands) 2
Alma Lerma Guijarro (Spain) 3
Rachael Kiddey (United Kingdom) 4
Affiliations:
1. UCL Institute of Archaeology
2. Leiden University
3. Backset Archaeology
4. Oxford University