[Aztlan] Chacmool Conference 2008 Call for Papers

[David Hixson]

Chacmool 2008

It’s Good to be King:
The Archaeology of Power and Authority

University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
November 7th to 11th 2008

Call for Papers

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
11. “The Urban Peasant” Diet as an Indicator of Status
in Ancient Populations
Confirmed plenary speakers include: Norman Yoffee,
Susan Jamieson, Randy McGuire, and Zhichun Jing
Abstracts of approximately 150 words should be sent by
fax to (403) 282-9567 or via
email to: arkcon41 at ucalgary.ca

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

Due to the SAA’s the Extended Deadline for Submissions
is April 7th, 2008.



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