Convenors: Macham Mangut (Nigeria) and Bongumenzi Nxumalo (South Africa)
Landscape archaeology has evolved significantly since its conceptual foundation in the mid-20th century, notably through Gordon Willey’s study in Peru’s Viru Valley. Initially embedded within broader archaeological research, the term ‘landscape archaeology’ gained prominence in the late 20th century as a distinct approach and theory. Landscapes are dynamic places where the interplay of human activities and natural elements shapes individual identities and social relationships across various scales—from individual households to expansive regional areas. The theme, “Landscape Approaches in Archaeology,” invites multidisciplinary exploration of landscapes in all ramifications, examining how ecological, political, economic, and social dynamics influence and are influenced by human actions. Participants are encouraged to present diverse methodologies, theories, and case studies that enhance our understanding of past landscapes, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), climate variability/science, geoarchaeology, faunal and floral analysis, ground penetrating radar, and soil and pollen studies. These techniques not only help reconstruct settlement histories, food resources, and diets but also offer insights into the broader ecological contexts of past human communities. By integrating these varied approaches, discussions will highlight the dynamic and layered nature of landscapes as more than mere settings—they are active participants in the historical narrative. This holistic perspective promises to deepen our understanding of how past communities interacted with their surroundings and shaped their material and cultural existence.
Contacts:
Macham Mangut, Ph.D
Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Jos
Department of History, Northwestern University
mangutm@unijos.edu.ng; macham.mangut@northwestern.edu
Bongumenzi Nxumalo, Ph.D
Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Pretoria
Department of History, Northwestern University
Bongumenzi.Nxumalo@up.ac.za; bongumenzi.nxumalo@northwestern.edu
THEME 03 SESSIONS
T03/Session 02: ‘Enduring’ landscapes in South Asia
T03/Session 03: Cultural Landscape Mapping – International Perspectives
T03/Session 04: The Ethnoarchaeology of Landscapes and Mobilities