Cultural Identity and Archaeology: The Construction of European Communities

Cultural Identity and Archaeology: The Construction of European Communities
ISBN-10
1134683340
ISBN-13
9781134683345
Category
Social Science
Pages
304
Language
English
Published
2013-04-15
Publisher
Routledge
Authors
Sian Jones, P. Graves-Brown, C.S. Gamble

Description

Cultural identity is a key area of debate in contemporary Europe. Despite widespread use of the past in the construction of ethnic, national and European identity, theories of cultural identity have been neglected in archaeology. Focusing on the interrelationships between concepts of cultural identity today and the interpretation of past cultural groups, Cultural Identity and Archaeology offers proactive archaeological perspectives in the debate surrounding European identities. This fascinating and thought-provoking book covers three key areas. It considers how material remains are used in the interpretation of cultural identities, for example ‘pan-Celtic culture’ and ‘Bronze Age Europe’. Finally, it looks at archaeological evidence for the construction of cultural identities in the European past. The authors are critical of monolithic constructions of Europe, and also of the ethnic and national groups within it. in place of such exclusive cultural, political and territorial entities the book argues for a consideration of the diverse, hybrid and multiple nature of European cultural identities.

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