From Swiss Family Robinson To Sir Russell Drysdale: Towards Changing The Tone Of Historical Archaeology In Australiarrian J. Egloff (original) (raw)
Related papers
But that was long ago: theory in Australian historical archaeology 2002
Australasian Historical Archaeology, 2002
This paper reviews aspects of the role that theo7.y plays in practice ofAustralian historical archaeology, and compares this with the situation as described 16 years ago. While some notable progrYess has been made in some areas shortco~nings p~,eviously noted have continued, notwithstanding the predominance of the heritage over acadenzic context ofpractice. The paper ardgues that the most effective way to deal with these shortcomings is to szpport a nzodel ofpractice that develops serious collaborations between archaeologists working in either context. An inzportantpart of this model is a much nzore serious and intensive,focus on the value of research, both through the conduct of assemblage-based analyses and through the critical evalz~ation of research designs (and the theories that implicitly and explicitly drive thenz) at the completion of speczjc pr,ojects.
The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of Indigenous Australia and New Guinea, 2021
Most histories of Australian archaeology written in the past three decades imagine that the discipline came of age in (approximately) the year 1960. We are led to believe that systematic archaeological research, nuanced interpretations, and advocacy for the conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage all date to the post-1960 era. Yet archaeological research in Australia has a lengthier and more complex genealogy. Here we use a series of case studies to explore the gradual development of the discipline during the twentieth century. We unpack key moments and projects during the early-to-mid twentieth century and examine the extent to which the so-called "professional" archaeologists of the 1960s overlapped with and depended upon the work of "amateur" scholars. We conclude by suggesting that the period of most rapid and significant change in archaeological thought and practice was precipitated by Aboriginal activism in the 1980s. Australia's First Peoples demanded control of research into their cultural heritage, a project which is ongoing today. Our discipline must encourage a culture of reflexivity on its current practices by coming to terms with rather than silencing its history (whether good, bad, or ugly).
Historical Archaeology in Australia: Historical or Hysterical? Crisis or Creative Awakening?
1999
This paper explores the current state andfuture prospects ofhistorical archaeology in Australia and takes as its starting points issues raised in Graham Connah's 1998 paper 'Pattern and purpose in historical archaeology '. Connah presents a rather narrow version of historical archaeology as a fading 'scholarly discipline' anchored in academia. His assertion that 'a discipline consists very largely ofits body ofpublished material' fails to recognise the growing contribution ofother forms ofpublic archaeology in Australia in the late twentieth century. We show that recent developments-the dialogue emerging between history and archaeology, the new publications and other media, interest from the wider community and recent academic appointments in the discipline-provide a counter-viewpoint and cause for optimism. In revisiting Connah 's main issues from these perspectives, some ofthe real problems and challenges facing the discipline and the profession are also explored.
JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. This content downloaded from 149.171.67.164 on Fri,
Archaeology from Australia, 2004
Archaeology from Australia is a snapshot of archaeological research in Australia at the beginning of the 21st century. This book brings together authors from across Australia in all areas of historic and prehistoric archaeology. Not only does it capture work being done in Australia but it also embraces the neighbouring arenas in the South Pacific, Melanesia and South East Asia as well as wide-ranging research further afield. As President of the Australian Archaeological Association (AAA), I find that this book provides an excellent overview of what are considered to be many of the important contemporary areas of Australian archaeological research. The Australian Archaeological Association is one of the largest archaeological organisations in Australia, with a diverse membership of professionals, students and others with an interest in archaeology. It represents the discipline of mainstream archaeology and, in its broadest sense, acts as a framework within which people can network, communicate and share ideas, expertise and experience. 1 In recent years, AAA has been a forum for debate and discourse on such topics as the interface between archaeological research and the traditional custodians of the land and the ethical dimensions of archaeology. The annual conference and the journal of the association (Australian Archaeology) together provide important forums for the exchange of ideas and the showcasing of current research. Importantly, Archaeology from Australia is a book that provides a bridge between the discipline and non-specialist audience. In an era where effective and clear communication is of paramount importance, this book fills a niche illustrating the diverse approaches and problems that combine under the umbrella called archaeology.