Conferences

Chacmool

41st Annual Conference

University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada

November 7-11, 2008

Chacmool is pleased to present our 41st annual conference for 2008, "It's Good to be King:  The Archaeology of Power and Authority."  We are an undergraduate-led conference focusing on current issues in archaeology and related disciplines.

Call for Papers

Deadline for submissions: 3-31-2008

EXTENDED to 4-7-2008

In order to qualify for travel reimbursements, abstracts and appropriate online SSHRC forms MUST be completed & submitted by above date.

Power and authority provide the framework for societies the world over, and have done so, arguably from the dawn of social interaction between the human species. This year’s topic is an attempt to analyze and provide an examination of power, authority and respect, in regards to the various ways that it is incorporated within the archaeological record. Power is manifested via a multitude of sociocultural structures, and is seen across societies in the form of monumental architecture, religious institutions, rulers, and armies. It is also present on a smaller scale within familial relationships, guilds, and neighborhoods. Cultural symbols reinforce this ever present and pervasive factor, such as ear spools within Mesoamerica, ranks within a military unit, or styles and manners of dress. Based solely on these few examples alone, a plethora of archaeological research can be conducted, and these few examples are by no means the extent of possible areas for potential research and presentation.    

Tentative Conference Session Topics:

1. “Queens” of the Stone Age: The Role of Women within Power Structures

2. Temples, Tombs and Stele: The Representation of Power through the Ages

3. Alternative Power: Modes and Structures of Authority

4. Family Ties: Respect and Authority on a Personal Level

5. Warfare: Archaeology of the Rank and File

6. Bodily Power: How Body Modifications Reflect Power Structures

7. “Art”ifactual Evidence: Power as Manifested by Personal Ornamentation and Art

8. Deus Lovolt: Power and Religion

9. You Are What You Wear: Clothing as Evidence for Social Status

10. Lexicon of Power: The Role of Language and Propaganda within Social Structures

Confirmed plenary speakers include:

Norman Yoffee

Susan Jamieson

Abstracts of approximately 150 words should be sent by fax to (403) 282-9567 or via

email to:

 arkcon41@ucalgary.ca

Further information is available by navigating http://www.arky.ucalgary.ca/chacmool2008/

Deadline for Submissions: 3-31-2008

EXTENDED to 4-7-2008