Archaeology:History, Theory, Philosophy (2025)

Theory in Australian Historical Archaeology

Australasian Historical Archaeology, 2002

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.

Archaeology from Australia

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.

Australian Archaeology as a historical science. A LECTURE BY THE RETURNING CHAIR OF AUSTRALIAN STUDIES, HARVARD UNIVERSITY 2008–09

Journal of Australian Studies, 2010

Theory and the Development of Historical Archaeology in Australia

Archaeology in Oceania

Urwin, C. and M. Spriggs. 2021. The Development (and Imagined Re-invention) of Australian Archaeology in the Twentieth Century. The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of Indigenous Australia and New Guinea. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

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).

Archaeology, anthropology and Indigenous Australians: South Australian perspectives and broader issues facing archaeologists in contemporary practice

2011

Historical Archaeology in Australia: Historical or Hysterical? Crisis or Creative Awakening?

1999

Digging It Up Down Under. A Practical Guide to Doing Archaeology in Australia (proofs).

What are the secrets to successful archaeology in Australia? What traps are there for the novice archaeologist? How can a hill be a sacred site? Who holds the best repositories of historical documents? What skills and qualities do archaeological consultancy firms look for? What is it that everyone else knows that you don't? This book contains the answers to these questions, and more. Whether you are a graduate student seeking to gain overseas experience, a volunteer wanting to learn more about archaeology by working on a real site, or a professional archaeologist interested in gaining employment, this volume provides a unique introduction to undertaking archaeology in an Australian setting. Grounded in the social, political and ethical issues that inform Australian archaeology today, Digging it up Down Under includes advice on the local legislative situation, relevant codes of ethics, definitions of artifacts and sites, and the history and characteristic features of the occupation of the continent by both Aboriginal and European people. Professional archaeologists provide their personal tips for working in each state and territory, dealing with a living heritage, working with Aboriginal peoples, and coping with Australian conditions. This book also includes practical advice on finding funding, local practices, getting published, and having fun-all with the aim of making you better equipped to undertake archaeology in the land down under.

Historical Archaeology in Australia: Historical or hysterical? Crisis or creative awakening? Richard Mackay and Grace Karskens, Australian Historical Archaeology, 17, 1999, 110-115

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