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Tue, 4 Mar 1997 10:29:16 GMT |
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Glasgow University |
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Expressions of Cultural Identity: The Archaeology of Regions and
Nations in Medieval Europe
This is the last call for applications to the above conference, to be
held at the University of Glasgow, 4th-6th of April.
As the title suggests we are interested in studies which
draw upon the material record to explore aspects of cultural identity.
The specfic topic of regional and national identity has been selected
to provide a coherent theme for a wide range of contributions. We
would hope that this conference will provide a showcase for those
stretching the limits of what can be achieved in Medieval Archaeology.
One aspect of the approach we are encourageing may be termed
contextual medieval archaeology. A major motivation for this
conference is to promote such an interpretative agenda more widely
within Medieval Archaeology. Leading archaeologists working in the
field will demonstrate what can be accomplished through the thoughtful
and creative integration of material and textual evidence.
A second intention behind the conference is make a substantial
contribution to the study of European wide trends. As scholars we are
all aware of the interplay between local cultural patterns and the
international processes, such as the spread of feudalism and the
development of the Church. These processes appear to operate on scales
which are smaller than nation states, indeed the incorporation of
independent peoples into larger political entities is one of the
international features of the age. We will exam how and why
particular aspects of European culture have been picked up,
transformed and utilised by specific societies. The idea is not to
examine nationalism as such, but to look at thedynamics at a finer
level with particular reference to how material culture was employed
to define or distinguish regional identity.
A third aspect of the project is to provide a means for bringing
together scholars from a number of countries to deal with an issue of
contemporary significance.Regional identity seems to be
an increasingly important aspect of modern life, so it seems
appropriate that collectively as archaeologists we make an effort to
contribute to an understanding of the problems created by the tensions
between homogenising cultural forces and the drive to preserve local
values and practices in our own time.
If you would like further information please contact Allan Rutherford
at -
[log in to unmask]
Dept of Archaeology,
10 the Square,
University of Glasgow,
Glasgow G12 8QQ,
Scotland.
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