P-11 Transitions in Hisban: Gender, Kinship, Care in Jordanian Archaeology
Presenter Status
Assistant Professor, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Preferred Session
Poster Session
Location
Buller Hall Hallways
Start Date
21-10-2022 2:00 PM
End Date
21-10-2022 3:00 PM
Presentation Abstract
This qualitative ethnographic study examines transitions in gender, kinship, and care at the Tall Hisban Archaeological Park in Jordan. Tall Hisban as a geospatial and socially constructed place can be conceptualized through a theoretical lens of care by which is meant care for archaeological sites and artifacts themselves, but also care for particular narratives, relationships, and social political identities including those of local workers and organizations, community members, and archaeologists excavating at the site. Drawing from an extensive history of archaeological work conducted by Andrews University in Jordan, from one month of participant observation with the Andrews University Archaeology Field School, and from interviews conducted with individuals working in archaeology and conservation at Tall Hisban, multiple intersecting transitions were found. Initial findings included transitions from archaeological excavation to site conservation and transitions in site responsibility from foreign research institutions including Andrews University, to the Department of Antiquities and local communities in Jordan. Additional transitions included generational continuities and shifts among local and foreign workers connected with the site. While archaeology has seen an increase in women across the discipline, an unexpected finding was that Jordanian women are increasingly engaged in archaeological excavation and conservation work in Jordan and at Tall Hisban. Together, these findings present rich opportunities for further research and make significant contributions to understandings of Middle East archaeology in that they trace transitions in archaeological theory and practice as well as innovative cultural changes in archaeology in Jordan and at Tall Hisban.
P-11 Transitions in Hisban: Gender, Kinship, Care in Jordanian Archaeology
Buller Hall Hallways
This qualitative ethnographic study examines transitions in gender, kinship, and care at the Tall Hisban Archaeological Park in Jordan. Tall Hisban as a geospatial and socially constructed place can be conceptualized through a theoretical lens of care by which is meant care for archaeological sites and artifacts themselves, but also care for particular narratives, relationships, and social political identities including those of local workers and organizations, community members, and archaeologists excavating at the site. Drawing from an extensive history of archaeological work conducted by Andrews University in Jordan, from one month of participant observation with the Andrews University Archaeology Field School, and from interviews conducted with individuals working in archaeology and conservation at Tall Hisban, multiple intersecting transitions were found. Initial findings included transitions from archaeological excavation to site conservation and transitions in site responsibility from foreign research institutions including Andrews University, to the Department of Antiquities and local communities in Jordan. Additional transitions included generational continuities and shifts among local and foreign workers connected with the site. While archaeology has seen an increase in women across the discipline, an unexpected finding was that Jordanian women are increasingly engaged in archaeological excavation and conservation work in Jordan and at Tall Hisban. Together, these findings present rich opportunities for further research and make significant contributions to understandings of Middle East archaeology in that they trace transitions in archaeological theory and practice as well as innovative cultural changes in archaeology in Jordan and at Tall Hisban.
Acknowledgments
This study was made possible by an Andrews University Faculty Research Grant.