Archaeology, memory and oral tradition: An introduction

Citation

Jones S & Russell L (2012) Archaeology, memory and oral tradition: An introduction. International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 16 (2), pp. 267-283. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10761-012-0177-y

Abstract
This paper serves as an introduction to this special edition of the International Journal of Historical Archaeology on the theme of archaeology, memory and oral history. Recent approaches to oral history and memory destabilise existing grand narratives and confront some of the epistemological assumptions underpinning scientific archaeology. Here we discuss recent approaches to memory and explore their impact on historical archaeology, including the challenges that forms of oral and social memory present to a field traditionally defined by the relationship between material culture and text. We then review a number of themes addressed by the articles in this volume.

Keywords
Memory; Oral history; Belonging; Narrative; Place; Heritage

Journal
International Journal of Historical Archaeology: Volume 16, Issue 2

People

Professor Sian Jones

Professor of Heritage, History