Material Worlds: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Contacts and Exchange in the Ancient Near East: Proceedings of the Workshop held at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW), New York University 7th March 2016

Cultural contacts and exchange have been extensively studied in archaeology, particularly in Western Asia, leading to a re-evaluation of the cultural and economic landscapes throughout the ancient Near East. This book presents eleven contributions by renowned experts that address the history of contacts and exchanges in the Bronze and Iron Ages using case studies from different regions and types of sources. The geographical dimension of cultural contacts and exchange networks within West Asia extends far beyond the boundaries of the previously defined contact zone, and other systems existed in adjacent regions. A closer look at single case studies of specific material culture datasets is important to better understand the dynamics, scale, and extent of contacts and exchanges.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

Cultural contacts and exchange have played a fundamental role in human behavior throughout history, spanning both ancient and modern times. In the realm of archaeology, particularly in Western Asia, this topic has received extensive attention in recent decades, resulting in a re-evaluation of the cultural, economic, and physical landscapes of the ancient Near East. This book comprises eleven insightful contributions presented at a workshop held at New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World in 2016. These experts, renowned in their respective fields, explore the history of contacts and exchanges during the Bronze and Iron Ages through case studies drawn from various regions and employing diverse types of sources.

What emerges from these contributions is a profound realization that the geographical dimension of cultural contacts and exchange networks within West Asia extends far beyond the boundaries of the traditionally defined contact zone of the "Ancient Near East." It becomes evident that other systems existed in adjacent regions such as Egypt, Arabia, Iran, Central Asia, Africa, India, and South Asia, indicating that the West Asian networks were interconnected with larger ones.

However, it is equally important to acknowledge that a closer examination of individual case studies involving specific material culture datasets is crucial in gaining a deeper understanding of the dynamics, scale, and extent of contacts and exchanges. By delving into these detailed analyses, researchers can unravel the intricate web of relationships and interactions that shaped the ancient Near East's cultural landscape.

The book's contributing authors represent a diverse array of expertise and institutions. Gojko Barjamovic, from Harvard University, contributes his insights, while Celia J. Bergoffen, from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, shares her expertise. Lorenzo DAlfonso, from NYU, New York, contributes his knowledge, as does Nancy A. Highcock, from The British Museum, London. Robert W. Homsher, from San Francisco, contributes his expertise, along with Alice M. W. Hunt, from the University of Georgia, Athens. Marta Luciani, from the University of Vienna, adds her perspective, as does Maria Grazia Masetti-Rouault, from École Pratique des Hautes Études, Paris. Beate Pongratz-Leisten, from NYU, New York, also contributes her valuable insights, and Lisa Saladino Haney, from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, rounds out the list.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in exploring the rich history of cultural contacts and exchanges in the ancient Near East. Through a comprehensive examination of case studies and diverse perspectives, it sheds light on the complex networks that interconnected different regions and civilizations, contributing to the development and transformation of the ancient Near East's cultural heritage.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 210 x 297 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803276489