Theorising the Biomolecular Humanities
Resource type
Conference paper (unpublished)
Creator (person)
Abstract
This session aims to explore how those working in archaeology and cognate disciplines are incorporating theory into contextualising and understanding the molecular past. We start from the position that there is sometimes a perceived disconnect between biomolecular methods and archaeological and anthropological theory and that they may be approached as separate endeavours. Bioarchaeological research provides valuable multi-scalar narratives of past societies, from human bodies and lifetimes, to wider environmental, ecological and landscape-wide histories. Here, we aim to explore and promote emerging theoretical debates on the more intimate scale of the molecule, whether from isotopes, ancient DNA, proteins or lipids.
From plants, to pigs, to pots, to people, we recognise that sources for biomolecular analysis are produced in complex ways, with biological, environmental and social processes in constant interplay with each other. As such, as substrates for analysis, they require us to think beyond bio- and geochemical reactions when interpreting them and bring their own theoretical challenges. We invite papers that explore biomolecular methods and datasets, from their creation to interpretation, which promote new discussions and theoretical perspectives on biomolecular archaeologies. Do particular molecules require different or new theoretical perspectives? How might biomolecular archaeology contribute to current theoretical debates in archaeology and heritage? Is there a politics of molecules in the past? Are there new ways of presenting biomolecular archaeologies yet to be explored? We hope to bring together diverse perspectives to chart and explore new pathways in biomolecular theories.
Event title
Theoretical Archaeology Group meeting
Publisher
Theoretical Archaeology Group
Official URL
Rights statement
In Copyright