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Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion
research group

Humans and materiality

This research group focuses on past human materiality to gain insight into, and develop knowledge about our past.

«Kyrkjehaugen» med bauta foran Stødle kirke i Etne.
Memorial monument in front of Stødle church in Etne.
Photo:
UiB

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The group will contribute to the discussions, research, and dissemination of studies investigating the human past through available material traces from human interaction with their environment. 

Humans, by utilizing and engaging with their natural surroundings, shape their environment and are shaped by it in turn. They are in constant interaction with their physical surroundings and engage all their senses doing so. Studying our ancestors’ use of and interaction with their physical environment allows us to learn something about their past activities.

Since the majority of human ancestry takes place in prehistory, the only way for us to learn about the past is through analysis of material traces resulting from past human activities. It is therefore not possible to understand human prehistory or history without taking past human surroundings and materiality into consideration. Throughout our past, human-environment interactions resulted in the creation of material culture. However, in some cases mere focus on humans is not sufficient for a successful interpretation of past human activity, rather humans may be understood as a connective tissue.

This research group focuses on past human materiality to gain insight into, and develop knowledge about our past. The group will contribute to the discussions, research, and dissemination of studies investigating the human past through available material traces from human interaction with their environment. The group will provide a forum for work-in-progress seminars and the development of ideas as well as possible theoretical and methodical applications. Most importantly, it will provide a venue for students and staff to discuss their relevant work and ideas, regardless of geographical location or time period.

Programme spring 2024

1 February
14.15–15.45                

Bjørn Nilsson, Heritage Science - the LINXS project
Room: Sydneshaugen skole, Grupperom G

22 February
10.15-11.45

Guest lecture: Iver Neumann, Fridtjof Nansen Institute: Hva kan studiet av internasjonale relasjoner tilby arkeologi?
Room: Sydneshaugen skole, Auditorium Q

I studiet av internasjonale relasjoner står systembegrepet sentralt. Forelesningen tar for seg hvordan systemer forstås, diskuterer hvordan forskjellige typer politiske enheter som familier, høvdingdømmer eller stater kan studeres som enheter i systemer og gir noen eksempler fra europeisk og mesopotamisk bronsealder.

22 April 14.15-15.45

Lars Forsberg, Hunter-gatherers of northern Fennoscandia

Room: Seminarrom F, Sydneshaugen skole

3 May
14.15–15.45

Guest lecture: Marte Spangen, University of Oslo: Varangermøter. Om transkulturell utveksling i middelalderens Nord-Fennoskandia 
Room: Auditorium Q, Sydenshaugen skole

31 May
14.15–15.45      

Guest lecture: Bente Phillipsen, NTNU: Radiocarbon dating: the importance of context
Room: Auditorium Q, Sydneshaugen skole