Post-Conflict Archaeology
A symposium jointly organized by Paul Newson (American University of Beirut, Lebanon) and Ruth Young (University of Leicester, UK).
Society for American Archaeology (SAA) 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California.
April 15-19 2015
http://saa.org/AbouttheSociety/AnnualMeeting/tabid/138/Default.aspx
Session Abstract
Increasingly archaeological sites and artefacts are becoming declared ideological and opportunist targets for destruction and damage during conflicts. In what ways should archaeologists respond to these challenges to the archaeological record?
The purpose of this session is to explore the minefield that is conflict-damaged archaeology: a subject which demands an effective response from archaeologists, but which is can potentially place archaeologists in conflict themselves with concerned interest groups.
Political and moral issues are always entangled in any response and emotions intensified, however such issues need to be faced, discussed and debated by archaeologists. Questions of whose archaeology and whose morals are being dictated require reflection. What strategies and responsibilities should archaeologists consider? How might conflict-damaged sites be investigated, documented and safeguarded from further damage?
We would like to encourage papers which seek to explore the manifold questions regarding the subject of archaeology and conflict, how archaeological material targeted and damaged in conflict situations can be assessed and how interdisciplinary approaches might seek to build an effective discourse
Contribution Submission
If you are interested in contributing to this symposium, a short abstract (200 words) should be submitted directly to Paul Newson pn04@aub.edu.lb before the 1st September 2014. Invited participants will be notified by an automated email containing a link to the submission system. All invited participants will be required to submit online an abstract and registration payment for the conference by 11th September 2014.
