Ancient and Modern Waste: Archaeological Knowledge Production in Contemporary Jerusalem
When:
—
Venue:
Birkbeck Clore Management Centre
Dr Elisabeth Sawerthal (KCL) with discussant Dr Mirjam Brusius (GHIL)
Wednesday 15th May, 6.00 – 8.00pm
Clore Lecture Theatre, Clore Management Centre, Birkbeck, University of London, 25-27 Torrington Square, London WC1E 7JL
Book here (AncientModernWaste.eventbrite.co.uk)
Archaeology is often about waste. Archaeologists reattribute value and meaning to materials mostly discarded or abandoned with intent by past societies. While archaeology is about ancient waste, waste is not necessarily archaeological, representing modern waste rather than a gateway to the past. What makes waste “archaeological”, and who has the authority to make such a decision? And why does it matter?
This talk explores how waste theory can contribute to framing discussions around the destruction of historic sites, and current practices in the fields of archaeology and heritage tourism in Jerusalem where perspectives on waste are not only political, meaningful, and marketable, but also shape narratives around the city’s past and present.
Event organised by the Raphael Samuel History Centre.
Contact name:
Katy Pettit