International Conference

STONE ARTEFACTS AS MATERIAL AND SYMBOLIC MARKERS IN CULTURAL LANDSCAPES: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Conference 6th to 9th + field visits 10th & 11th September 2007

Hosted by the Department of Archaeology, University of York, UK.

Description

Organised by the Implement Petrology Group (formerly the Council for British Archaeology’s Implement Petrology Committee, and originally the Sub-Committee of the South-Western Group of Museums & Art Galleries on the Petrological Identification of Stone Axes, established 1936). The IPG is widely acknowledged to be the lead body in the UK in the field of petrographic and geochemical analyses of stone tools.

This conference will address the question: how can the study of stone artefacts help us understand the people who made and used them? Contributions reflecting the diversity of current approaches – including petrology and geochemistry, ethnoarchaeology, microwear, contextual studies and examination of the symbolism of stone – are welcomed.

Themes to include:

extraction and working of stone

circulation, exchange, use, deposition and meanings of stone artefacts;

relationships between stone artefacts and stone monuments

symbolic significance of stone

The programme will include field trips to Great Langdale and Grime’s Graves, receptions and a dinner.

Offers of papers (for 20 and 10 minute slots) and posters are welcomed; the programme will be finalised in May 2007. To register interest and/or to obtain further information, contact:

ipg.york@yahoo.co.uk