Archaeologies of Cultural Contact: At the Interface

Archaeologies of Cultural Contact explores the dynamics of cultural transfer, including creolization, ethnogenesis, hybridity, and syncretism, in the modern world. It recognizes these concepts and processes as relevant to postcolonial contexts and other instances of cultural contact, highlighting the diverse understandings gained from exploring material remains. The contributions articulate perspectives on practices, power dynamics, and cultural contact, making the book valuable for researchers and students in archaeology and related disciplines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Archaeologies of Cultural Contact delves into the intricate realm of cultural transfer, exploring the fusion and adaptation of material and behavioral traits in the context of contact. Spanning from globalization and displacement to cultural legitimization and identity politics, the contemporary world is defined by and shaped through the dynamics of interaction and exchange. Recognizing creolization, ethnogenesis, hybridity, and syncretism as analytical concepts and social processes, this book extends their relevance beyond the postcolonial contexts of the twentieth century to encompass diverse instances of cultural contact. It acknowledges that these processes have been fundamental to human history, shaping the reworking of pre-existing cultural elements.

The chapters in this volume present a wide range of perspectives, spanning different analytical frameworks, scales, geographical locations, and temporal periods. Through their examination of material remains of past contact, they shed light on diverse understandings and challenge the limitations of competing models of cultural change. They facilitate insights into cultural transformation, difference, appropriation, resistance, redefinition, and incorporation. Together, the contributions articulate the viewpoints that revolve around practices concerning people, places, and things, while also emphasizing the role of power dynamics in mediating social interactions and shaping the dynamics of cultural contact.

This book appeals to researchers and students in archaeology, as well as those from related disciplines such as anthropology and history. It offers valuable insights into the complexities of cultural exchange, contributing to our understanding of the human past and the ongoing dynamics of cultural interaction in the modern world.

Weight: 656g
Dimension: 241 x 160 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780199693948