Rethinking the perception of magic and rituals in archaeological contexts
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 20/06/2019

Full title: Rethinking the perception of magic and rituals in archaeological contexts and in material culture: A three-fold dialogue between field archaeologists, academics and the public. 

‘Magic is a perennially fascinating subject’ and as such it holds the imagination of the wider public. In recent times this fascination has taken hold of academia and the advancement in the study of magical practices and the rituals connected to them from antiquity to modern Europe have created historical narratives which engage, entice and inspire not only future academics but also the general public. Despite the wider fascination with this topic, there is still a lack of understanding/interest in material objects indicating the existence of ritualistic and magical behaviour among field archaeologists and specifically so among commercial archaeologists. Considering the high percentage of archaeological data coming from development-based excavations into academic research, it is worrying to know that there are huge gaps in knowledge. How can we professional archaeologists inspire people, if we ourselves are not inspired? Perhaps it is time to break the interdisciplinary boundaries and be creative.

Debora Moretti