Nitmiluk Gorge

THEME 25: Historical Archaeology: Entanglements of Colonialism and Capitalism Across the Globe

Convenors:

Caitlin D’Gluyas (Australia), Alanna Warner-Smith (USA), Katharine Watson (Aotearoa New Zealand)

Studying the past through the lens of historical archaeology reveals compelling stories that challenge, enrich, and sometimes overturn our understanding of the modern world. This theme explores diverse case studies within historical archaeology, emphasising the interplay of archaeology, and history to address key questions about subjects such as identity, power, and transformation. Topics may include critical examinations of colonialism, Indigenous agency and cultural entanglements, the archaeology of marginalised communities, foodways, urban landscapes, and the materiality of trade and globalisation.

By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives, this theme aims to advance methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks. It also welcomes papers that critically consider the relevance and agendas of historical archaeology in understanding contemporary social challenges and global heritage management, particularly in relation to decolonisation, issues with terminology, including the term ‘historical archaeology’, and post-colonial approaches. 

Contacts:

Caitlin D’Gluyas
The University of Queensland, Australia, c.dgluyas@uq.edu.au  

Alanna Warner-Smith
American University, USA, awarnersmith@american.edu 

Katharine Watson
Christchurch Archaeology Project, Aotearoa New Zealand, katharine.watson@christchurcharchaeology.org

THEME SESSIONS

T25/Session 01: Historical Archaeology in and of Urban Landscapes in Global Conversation

T25/Session 02: Cultural Landscapes and Spatial Analysis In Historical Archaeology

T25/Session 03: Historical Archaeological Collections for the Present and Future

T25/Session 04: Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Addressing Access, Meaning and Interpretation of Archaeological Collections and Archives Now and into the Future

T25/Session 05: Skele-tons of Work to Do: Contributions to Understanding Colonial Life Using Zooarchaeological Methods

T25/Session 06: Establishment of the Colonies Across Indigenous Landscapes: Uncovering Traces of Colonialism in the Archaeological Record Using Modern Archaeological Techniques