Session: #441

Content:

From prehistory to the present, caves have always been central places in the natural landscape that have drawn our attention. For this very reason, caves and their contents are important reservoirs of archaeological and palaeoecological information, and have an almost unique capacity to capture long-term perspectives on human activity and the environment. In some cases they may be visually prominent features of the landscape, while in other cases cave contexts represent secluded, dark and subterranean spaces. This duality lends itself to a broad spectrum of uses and meanings, reflected in a similarly wide variety of archaeological remains and often complex stratigraphic records. In a practical sense, the diversity of taphonomic processes at play, their occupation histories and duration of use present many challenges to archaeologists working in cave environments. The excavation, exploration and analysis of these places thus requires a considered and multidisciplinary approach.
In mind of the broad-spectrum of data, interpretations and methodologies that can be applied in their study, this session aims to draw together active researchers working on the archaeology of cave sites with the view towards discussing and developing a standardised framework of field documentation techniques. We seek contributions discussing innovative and novel approaches to the excavation of caves, ranging from new and emerging methodologies, fieldwork strategies, recording techniques, scientific analyses and post-excavation analyses, to recent theoretical developments. We also seek to bridge the gap between those scholars working on caves from typically practical- or science-led perspectives, with those coming from more with theoretically inclined perspectives. We welcome and encourage a wide variety of contributions from across world archaeology, irrespective of chronological and geographical boundaries.

Session: #441

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