"An Archaeologist Amongst the Ethnographers": Ethnography As a Potent Proxy To Decode the Behavioural Niches and The Climate-Human Interactions from the Late Middle Pleistocene to Contemporary Times

Abstract (English)

This panel examines the convergence of archaeology and ethnography in reconstructing the past human behaviours and cultural adaptations, particularly emphasizing climate-human interactions throughout the  late middle Pleistocene to the present epoch. Integrating ethnographic insights with archaeological data allows scholars to achieve a deeper understanding of ancient communities' adaptations to climatic changes and the development of complex behavioural niches. This panel  is at aim to serve as an important forum for examining the significant role of ethnography in archaeological reconstructions, especially in relation to climate-human interactions. The panel contends to  improve our understanding of historical human adaptations and their relevance to contemporary interpretations of ancient life by promoting collaboration among archaeologists, ethnographers, and climate scientists.
Objectives of the Panel

Examine the significance of ethnographic methods in the analysis of climate adaptations within archaeological contexts.

Analyze case studies in which ethnography has yielded insights into historical human responses to climate changes.

Examine the theoretical and methodological obstacles encountered in the integration of ethnography and archaeology.

Encourage collaboration among archaeologists, ethnographers, and climate scientists.

Panel  Structure 

1. Opening Remarks and Introduction (15 minutes)

The moderator presents the theme and objectives of the panel.

A succinct examination of the historical interplay among archaeology, ethnography, and climate studies.

2. Paper Presentations (60 minutes)

Presentation 1: Connecting Historical Contexts and Contemporary Practices: Ethnographic Analogies in Climate AdaptationThis paper examines the influence of contemporary societal adaptations to climate change on archaeological reconstructions.

Presentation 2: Material Culture and Environmental Change: Ethnographic Insights on Adaptive StrategiesAnalyzes the relationship between ethnographic studies of material culture and human responses to climate variability.

Presentation 3: Behavioral Niches and Climate-Human Interactions: An Ethnoarchaeological PerspectiveThis study examines the applicability of human adaptation strategies identified in ethnographic research to the understanding of Holocene societies.

3. Roundtable Discussion (45 minutes)

Panelists examine central themes from the presentations, addressing:

The strengths and limitations of ethnographic analogy in the fields of archaeology and climate studies.

Case studies examining successful ethnoarchaeological projects that emphasize environmental adaptations.

Prospective avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration.

4. Audience Q&A Session (30 minutes)

Inviting inquiries and dialogue regarding research challenges, methodologies, and applications.

5. Conclusion (15 minutes)

Overview of principal findings from the session.

Concluding reflections on the significance of ethnography in the archaeological reconstruction of climate-human interactions.

Intended Audience

Archaeologists are professionals who study human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains. Their work contributes to our understanding of past cultures and civilizations.

Researchers who study cultures and societies through direct observation and participation.

Individuals who study human societies, cultures, and their development.

Researchers in the field of climate science

Cultural historians study the development and significance of cultural practices and beliefs throughout history.

Graduate students