Maria Wunderlich: An orchestra of meanings
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 12/11/2020

Keynote lecture "An orchestra of meanings – Is it possible to understand the multilayered character of past human social organization?" presented by Maria Wunderlich (Kiel University) at the 26th EAA Virtual Annual Meeting 

Abstract:
Archaeology and cultural anthropology share their roots within a closely intertwined research tradition, but despite of this inherent connection, they remain in many cases apart and separated in present-day research. In the light of current discourses on aspects of identity and ethics, the close connection between both subjects is becoming clearer once more. Current ethnoarchaeological approaches move at this intersection of different discourses, integrating demands on non-capitalistic practice of science (MacEachern/Cunningham 2017) as well as holistic and manifold interpretations of past human life and its position in the world.

The keynote lecture will focus on the potentials and chances of an integrated approach encompassing both archaeological, as well as cultural and social anthropological perspectives. Both perspectives must be accompanied by reflections on the theoretical and methodological background chosen, thereby creating a reflective network of thought and practice. It further provides the chance to complement narratives being influenced western by industrial viewpoints that potentially dominate scientific discourse concerning the multifaceted nature of human behavior and social organization up to today.

This approach will be illustrated by case studies from the author’s own research, integrating both anthropological and archaeological data. Research on recent megalith building traditions in Nagaland, North-East India, has revealed the interconnectedness within and roots of this phenomena in the social structures of the communities involved. The example also highlights how the construction of landscape, specific mechanisms within the social organization, and material expressions, including the use of water resources, are interlinked and cannot be seen as detached aspects of the realities of a given community. The lecture will further explore the character and potentially interwoven meanings of selected examples of artificial and natural waterscapes within the wider realm of economic or social contexts of Neolithic communities in Central Europe. Although the archaeological record remains much poorer, it will be argued that in the case of specific archaeological features, the intersections of different aspects of past human behavior and social organization can be traced.