This one-day conference will bring together histories of archaeological field practices from different regions of the world. Submissions are invited from researchers working on the history of archaeological field work anywhere in the world between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. While the main focus of the conference is on historical dimensions of archaeology, proposals from anthropologists and sociologists of science working on connected contemporary issues are also invited.

Topics might include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • the relationship between archaeologists and local communities
  • the use of other disciplines and traditions, e.g. natural history or military mapping, in creating archaeological field practices
  • the development of tools for documenting field sites
  • the influence of field practices on collecting and display strategies
  • global cross-fertilisation: the influence of narratives from other archaeological sites on field work
  • transnational histories; archaeological fieldwork in the context of colonialism, ‘informal imperialism’ or post-colonial discourse

The conference will be held at the Institute of Latin American Studies at Senate House in London. One of the aims of the conference is to foster a global approach to the history of archaeology and bring the history of Latin American archaeology into dialogue with the histories of archaeology in other regions.

Please submit abstracts (max 300 words) and a short (a sentence or two) description of your academic affiliation and disciplinary background to Sophie Brockmann (sophie.brockmann[at]sas.ac.uk). While we are unfortunately unable to offer assistance with travel or accommodation costs, conference registration will be free for speakers.