Theme:
1. Artefacts, Buildings & Ecofacts
Session format:
Regular session
Title:
Archaeological Identities. A Methodological Toolbox to Approach Identities
Content:
Identity is a concept continuously mobilised when dealing with archaeological remains and models. Nevertheless, the identity is characterised by a constellation of definitions. In a general sense, it can be understood as the subjective difference – and the mutual recognition of this difference – by two or several individuals (or groups of individuals). Therefore, the identity is above all characterised by abstract discourse, without objective material manifestations.
In such a framework, the archaeological sciences face a paradox dealing with “identy(ies)” with material proxies they select themselves. The archaeological markers used to talk about the identity are nonetheless numerous: languages, funerary practices, tools of the production and consumption, etc. But what evidence exactly brings these archaeological markers about identity? Are we talking about collective identity (ethnic groups, lineages, communities…) or individual identity (gender, social class, function in the society…). Moreover, are these concepts prevailing in ancient societies or just transpositions of our own identity classification in the past?
In this session, we would like to discuss the identity as an archaeological concept and tool, essential to our studies, but also its limitations. We aim to raise a methodological discussion on how to define and question the material culture and its link with archaeological markers. Namely, why and how specific archaeological data brings to talk about identity from a methodological point of view. In a diachronic approach, we want to interrogate the epistemological process that allows us to deal with identity in archaeology. The papers dealing with methodological and conceptual approaches will be given priority over simple case studies. The idea is to encourage speakers to come up with their own proposals, definitions or interrogations about identity, in order to create a benevolent open debate on doubts and methodological questions.
Keywords:
identity, diachrony, methodology, material culture, conceptual approach, artefacts
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:
Main organiser:
Thibaud Poigt (France) 1,2
Co-organisers:
Stéphanie Adroit (France) 1,2
Kévin Parachaud (France) 3
Pascual Perdiguero (Spain) 4
Affiliations:
1. Ausonius - University Bordeaux Montaigne
2. TRACES - University Toulouse Jean Jaurès
3. CRIHAM - University of Limoges
4. University of Alicante
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