THE ARCHAEOREADER
WHERE A LOVE OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND READING MEET
WHERE A LOVE OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND READING MEET
"Professor Slade said, ah well, after all, authenticity was impossible and not really the goal anyway, the point was to have a flavour of Iron Age life and perhaps some insight into particular processes or technologies." --Ghost Wall, Sarah Moss First up off the ArchaeoReader TBR is Sarah Moss's Ghost Wall. It follows 17-year old Silvie, on a summer holiday, as she sleeps in a roundhouse with her parents on splintery deerskin-lined bunks, wears a scratchy tunic and moccasins, eats a kind of gruel porridge for breakfast and fish and rabbit caught for dinner, helps gather wild roots and berries, and even attempts her hand at basket weaving. The obvious archaeological aspect to the story is experimental archaeology--a branch devoted to participating in manufacturing techniques to better understand how past people lived (like this cool project that experimented with stone tools and abalone shell to better grasp fishing techniques among prehistoric peoples off the coast of today's California). It all sounds innocuous enough, if not even a little boring to Silvie since she's there not for her own interest but to live out some fantasy of her father's who has a passion for early British history. We quickly perceive Silvie's father, a middle class bus driver, is controlling and even violent (Trigger Warning: this story addresses the effects of domestic abuse) towards women. A man that feels slighted by missed opportunities in education and social mobility, that feels out of his time you might say, and desires the idea of one before the Romans and other "foreigners" began invading England. Silvie's own name, short for Sulevia (a Celtic goddess), is another example of her father's desire to uphold some kind of model for Britishness. As the story progresses we see just what kind of toll her father's behavior and his disturbing fascination with bog burial rites takes on Silvie; from her own dark thoughts frequently reflecting upon a notion of just what an innate sense of violence Iron Age Britons would have held to her anxious interactions among fellow participants. With her father and Professor Slade becoming steadily more invested in re-enacting aspects of Iron Age life, an alarming event unfolds that challenges how far is too far in a scientific experiment. Ghost Wall was my most anticipated read for 2019 (a tall order considering its only January!) and it did not disappoint. Moss manages to intertwine nationalism, classism, androcentric ideas of prehistoric divisions of labor, and domestic abuse that proves this short story is so much more than a campfire tale of experimental archaeology gone wrong. To me Ghost Wall is a bit of a love letter, albeit a dark one, to my archaeologist heart for touching on two important dialogues in archaeological scholarship: gender and critical theory. In a nut shell, a critical theory lens applied to archaeology recognizes how ideology influences our interpretation of the past and acknowledges that studying the past is not neutral or an objective science. Intentional or not, there have been lots of ways archaeology has been used to promote some religious, economic, or political beliefs over others, legitimize one group over another, or uphold contemporary societal viewpoints. "[As archaeologists, we] can properly be accused of being acolytes...to our culture, unaware of what we have been doing, and whom we serve" (Leone 1973:132). Since the 1970s many archaeologists, like Mark Leone, have applied critical theory to their research--leading to a common understanding in the field that writing about the past cannot be separated from the context of the present. In Ghost Wall, more than once the professor is caught by Silvie's father's opinion that early Britons excelled over others: "Aye, said Dad, maybe so, you're thinking of the carnyes, but they had their horses and swords as well, didn't they, put up quite a fight and after all sent them packing in the end, there weren't dark faces in these parts for nigh on two millennia after that, were there?"--Sarah Moss, Ghost Wall (page 36) Archaeology of GenderMoss doesn't just toss around an idealized national myth but goes further in spotlighting gender myth (roles) too. Assumptions about gender roles in the past, especially the deep past, have been problematic for archaeology. These assumptions run the gamut and we've all heard 'em: that men are naturally dominant and women passive, men's place is the public sphere and women's is in the private (domestic), and of course, Man-the-hunter. It comes as no surprise to find stereotypical assumptions in the division of labor playing out among the group in Ghost Wall. Silvie's father, unsurprisingly, is the primary agent but luckily Moss contrasts him with Molly, the only other female participant besides Silvie (and her mother) and the only female college student. Numerous studies criticizing gender stereotypes and an androcentric view of human development arose in the 1980s and 1990s. This has led to fascinating research into gender since then, exploring female and male identity more fully and reconsidering gender-specific features and material remains as it relates to division of labor, power and social hierarchies, and even gender ideologies themselves (Mother Goddess anyone?). Check out these six foundational scholarly reads if you want to get into the marrow of Gender Archaeology: The Archaeology of Gender: Separating the Spheres in Urban America by Diana diZerega Wall Engendering Archaeology: Women and Prehistory by Joan Gero and Margaret Conkey Reader in Gender Archaeology Kelley Hays-Gilpin and David S. Whitley (Eds). Ancient Bodies, Ancient Lives: Sex, Gender, and Archaeology by Rosemary A. Joyce Historical Archaeology of Gendered Lives by Deborah Rotman Historical and Archaeological Perspectives on Gender Transformations Suzanne M. Spencer-Wood (Ed.) Needless to say, Ghost Wall is utterly brilliant. References CitedLeone, M. P. (1972) Issues in Anthropological Archaeology. In Contemporary Archaeology, edited by M. Leone. Carbondale, Illinois: Southern Illinois University Press.
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Do you have a goal this year to read more? Read more diverse genres... or more female authors...or more authors of a different background than you...or of a different community? I know I do! In the last couple of years I've been ramping up my reading and its been incredible to immerse myself in not just any book that strikes my fancy but one that gets me to read diversely in all sorts of ways. Where before I tended to exclusively read historical fiction, I have opened myself up to genres like sci-fi, contemporary romance, Young Adult (YA), nonfiction, classics, and the odd graphic novel or two. On top of which I had been a staunch physical book reader. It wasn't that I opposed ereaders (kindles, nooks, etc.) I just never thought they were for me. With almost 40 audiobooks and a dozen ebooks under my belt last year I can say unequivocally boy, was I wrong and I'm so glad to have embraced diverse formats too (oh audiobooks, I don't know how I lived without you before). And what a difference reading diversely has made in my life. I feel more connected to people that aren't just friends and family (though its always a joy to be able to connect more fully with them). I feel like even if I don't share a similar background or experience with someone reading diversely has allowed me to at least be more understanding and engaged. Attributes I feel essential for archaeologists when making interpretations about past behaviors. Will Schwalbe and George R.R. Martin said it best: “And reading all different kinds of books is not simply reading all different kinds of books; it’s a way of becoming more fully human and more humane.” ― Will Schwalbe, Books for Living “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons One big thing that has worked for me in keeping my reading diet varied is a dedicated TBR (to-be read) stack. From time to time I've gone without dedicated monthly TBRs (great for honing your reading and finally getting to that book you always say one day to!) when reading for mood is the only way I keep reading. With the start of the new year I began pulling a list of some books I'd like to get to throughout 2019 with this reading blog project and thanks to some great recommendations on Instagram, I've put together the ArchaeoReader 2019 TBR! I've got 10 books planned, though I hope to discover more as the year unfolds, featuring stories about archaeologists/anthropologists/archaeological digs or center around culture with themes like culture contact or the lived experience. In keeping this TBR diverse there's sci-fi/fantasy, historical fiction, cozy murder mysteries, nonfiction, suspense/thriller, literary fiction, and a Middle Grade-Children's read. Now, I do realize the majority of these are written by women. I tend to gravitate towards female writers so if you're looking to bring more women into your reading life I've got seven talented ladies to check out. Historical Fiction Labyrinth- Kate Mosse* On an archaeological dig in "present-day" France, a volunteer comes across skeletal remains and cryptic rock art in a cave that leads her on a path intertwined with a 13th c young woman that gets caught up in crusades and the holy grail secret. Sarum- Edward Rutherfurd This one was highly recommended to me by a friend who is a professor of Roman history and archaeology. It's described as a sweeping epic saga about a number of families in England from prehistoric times to modern day (circa 1985-around the time it was published). I haven't decided if I want to read this on Kindle or as an audiobook. Sci-fi/Fantasy The Clockwork Dynasty- Daniel H. Wilson An anthropologist discovers a secret world populated(?) by human-like mechanical beings linked to a past set in early 18th c Russia. The author holds a doctorate in robotics so I'm thinking this could be pretty interesting. I don't know if this has Doctor Who vibes but I hope so! Mystery Artifact- Gigi Pandian Written by an Indian American woman who has cultural anthropologist parents, this book about a college history professor, Jaya Jones, specializing in the relationship between India and Britain has got adventure written all over it but with a whole 'nother Dr. Jones. It being $4.99 on Kindle, this one will be an ebook for me. Some reviews on Goodreads say this book and its series (Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery) is in the Elizabeth Peters vein of mystery and archaeology. Lion in the Valley- Elizabeth Peters Speaking of Elizabeth Peters...Its been a decade since I read an Amelia Peabody Mystery so I'm going to jump back in with Book #4 where I believe I left off but may have already read... For an entry into the world of Egyptologist Amelia Peabody, highly recommend starting out with Crocodile on the Sandbank. As a cozy mystery, I'm going to give this one a listen on audio. The Bone People- Keri Hulme** Another recommended read from a friend of mine is this 1985 Man Booker Prize winning novel that explores postcolonial Maori-New Zealand experiences. I've heard the language in this one is superb and is recommended for fans of Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible (of which I am a great fan!). Suspense/Thriller The Anomaly- Michael Rutger Okay, with the tag line "If Indiana Jones lived in the X-files era" I don't have high expectations for this story about a rogue archaeologist (what does that even mean?) that has a documentary series and goes off retracing the steps of a turn-of-the-20th c explorer of the Grand Canyon. I'm going to keep an open mind when I pick this one up and hope it has good suspense and thrills since its written by a Hollywood screenwriter. Ghost Wall- Sarah Moss** Now this short story (130 pages!), about a young woman participating in an experimental archaeology class in England (living like Iron Age people) with her history-obsessed father is my most anticipated read of 2019! From the book flap, author and professor of Creative Writing at University of Warwick, Sarah Moss asks: "How far have we come from the primitive minds of our ancestors?" Check out this great book review by The Book Family Rogerson. Children's lit-Middle Grade The Birchbark House- Louise Erdrich I was originally going to put Erdrich's The Round House on this list but when I saw the award-winning tribal member of the Chippewa (Anishinaabe) Nation had a children's book about a 7-year old Native American girl of the Ojibwa tribe who lives on an island in Lake Superior in 1847, I knew I needed to put it on here. The Birchbark House itself won the 1999 National Book Award for Young People's Fiction. Non-fiction Built on Bones: 15,000 Years of Urban Life and Death- Brenna Hassett Bioarchaeologist Brenna Hassett (University College London) takes on the question of whether agriculture and civilization are all that its cracked up to be through the examination of skeletal remains and artifacts from sites all over the world. *Labyrinth can also be found under fantasy fiction. ** The Bone People and Ghost Wall are also considered literary fiction. What do you think? Are there any books not on the list you think I should read? And have you read any of these?
"At nine o'clock they were marched on board the Kehloken, with the white people gaping at them from the hill above, and Gordon Tanaka's daughter-she was eight years old-fell on the dock and began to cry. Soon other people were crying, too, and from the hill came the voice of Antonio Dangaran, a Filipino man who had just married Eleanor Kitano just two months before. "Eleanor!" he shouted, and when she looked up he let go a bouquet of red roses, which sailed gently toward the water in the wind and landed in the waves below the dock pilings." --David Guterson, Chapter 15 A few weeks back I finished Snow Falling on Cedars and it sparked all kinds of thoughts and feels for my nerd brain. I'm just gonna jump right in and start off with the scene in the excerpt above; talk about heart breaking. Like most Japanese living in the U.S. during WWII (including any American-born children (aka nisei) & grandchildren (aka sansei)), the fictional island of San Piedro's own Japanese immigrant community (aka nikkei), here, were forced out of their homes to be incarcerated in one of 69 detention sites . As we follow Hatsue Imada, her mother, and sisters--her father having already been arrested and sent separately to a Montana labor camp-- 1000+ miles to Manzanar, California, Guterson helps the reader imagine what an awful existence living in prison camp barracks were like. "Everyone wandered around like ghosts beneath the guard towers with the mountains looming on either side of them...The camp was only half-finished; there were not enough barracks to go around. Some people, on arriving, had to build their own in order to have a place to sleep. There were crowds everywhere, thousands of people in a square mile of desert scoured to dust by army bulldozers, and there was nowhere for a person to find solitude."--David Guterson, Chapter 15
Archaeological interpretation & analysis varies across these sites and runs the gamut of daily life, the intersections of gender, ethnicity, childhood, and resistance/resilience. If you were incarcerated for simply looking like the enemy how might you have persevered? Would you have brought heirlooms, special dishes (china), or foods? Perhaps you would have turned to graffiti as an outlet? Maybe like Hatsue's mother Fujiko, you feel a compunction to post a letter with the stamp intentionally placed upside-down. Or tried to adapt your surroundings by gardening or playing games and sports. These are the many research avenues archaeologists have taken. The duality of being both Japanese and American is something archaeologists and Guterson explore. For example, archaeologists have found evidence of internee-built baseball diamonds and basketball courts at relocation camps (Burton et al 2002). Hatsue's conflicted sense of identity is masterfully portrayed by Guterson as she struggles with being the nisei daughter of issei parents, publicly pretending to not be friends let alone dating a white classmate, and later struggling with post-war prejudice throughout her husband's trial. A few of my favorite material cultural studies have been: Brewing Behind Barbed Wire, a Master's Thesis by Christian A. Driver, explores the production and consumption of saké at Amache. The Role of Toys in the Archaeology of Self, a blog post by Thomas Carr who was influenced by April Kamp-Whittaker's Masters thesis "Through the Eyes of a Child" (which is also worth reading!) Artifacts of Loss: Crafting Survival in Japanese American Concentration Camps by Jane E. Dusselier Further reading into other material culture and landscape studies of Japanese internment camps can be found in the Society for Historical and Underwater Archaeology journal Historical Archaeology. Insitu: The Chrysanthemum and the Sword The (Archaeo)reader might be interested in learning more about how American cultural anthropology played a role in the war effort facing Japan. Published in 1946, The Chrysanthemum and the Sword is a hallmark ethnographic study (of and for its time) into Japanese culture. For the professional American historical archaeologist, mentioning this nonfiction book may come as no surprise but I'll be the first to admit I hadn't thought about this classic--that's still assigned to Cultural Anthropology 101 students--in years. After reading Snow Falling on Cedars it was interesting to skim through some of Ruth Benedict's analysis. One of the most fascinating things about The Chrysanthemum and the Sword is that fieldwork in Japan could not be conducted. With the war on and only one prior ethnography conducted (by John Embree), Benedict turned to government intelligence about the Japanese, history books (authored by both Japanese and non-Japanese alike), autobiographies, and interviewing Japanese internees (Vogel 1989: ix-x). The modern reader will immediately pick up on 1) the intended audience are U.S. government policymakers and 2) the use of such language as "primitive" and "simpler" in regards to societies. As I say, it is a study of and for its time but there's a reason it's still taught in anthropology courses across the States. Although Guterson does not appear to have consulted Benedict's research for his novel, according to the acknowledgements, it is easy to draw parallels to some aspects of his character's behavior. While I could point out examples, specific behavior isn't really what I'm aiming for here since the same parallels could be said of other sources; sources actually consulted by Guterson. My main point in bringing up The Chrysanthemum and the Sword is to highlight one avenue for contextualizing what the U.S. government understood (and arguably misunderstood as well) about Japanese culture during the WWII-era. The reader will find Benedict toeing a delicate line in informing American policymakers of Japanese culture while comparing and contrasting American culture. "One of the handicaps of the twentieth century is that we still have the vaguest and most biased notions, not only of what makes Japan a nation of Japanese, but what makes the United States a nation of Americans, France a nation of Frenchmen, and Russia a nation of Russians. Lacking this knowledge, each country misunderstands the other. We fear irreconcilable differences when the trouble is only between Tweedledum and Tweedledee, and we talk about common purposes when one nation by virtue of its whole experience and system of values has in mind a quite different course of action from one we want. We do not give ourselves a chance to find out what their habits and values are. If we did, we might discover that a course of action is not necessarily vicious because it is not the one we know."--Ruth Benedict
Sources and More Links: I have hyper-linked to sources where appropriate/available. All links and sources were electronically accessed between January 2 and January 4, 2019. For a one stop, in-depth overview of "Archaeology of the Japanese American Incarceration" look no further than Mary M. Farrell's article on the Densho.org** encyclopedia. Burton, Jeffery, Mary Farrell, Florence Lord, Richard Lord, and Tetsuden Kashima 2002 Confinement and Ethnicity: An Overview of World War II Japanese American Relocation Sites. University of Washington Press: Seattle. Vogel, Ezra F. 1989 Forward. In The Chrysanthemum in the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture. Ruth Benedict; Houghton Mifflin: Boston. Manzanar National Historic Site Minidoka National Historic Site Japanese American Life During Internment Digital Public Library of America: Prisoners at Home Exhibit Manzanar Committee ** Amache Preservation Society ** Kooskia Internment Camp Project Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i ** Asian American Comparative Collection at the University of Idaho ** Idaho Japanese Association** Japanese American National Museum** If you enjoyed the information in this post please consider donating to the above "**" (they're non-profits!) and help support our shared global heritage! |
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