ABSTRACT

Cultural identity is a key area of debate in contemporary Europe. Despite widespread use of the past in the construction of ethnic, national and European identity, theories of cultural identity have been neglected in archaeology. Focusing on the interrelationships between concepts of cultural identity today and the interpretation of past cultural groups, Cultural Identity and Archaeology offers proactive archaeological perspectives in the debate surrounding European identities.

This fascinating and thought-provoking book covers three key areas. It considers how material remains are used in the interpretation of cultural identities, for example ‘pan-Celtic culture’ and ‘Bronze Age Europe’. Finally, it looks at archaeological evidence for the construction of cultural identities in the European past.

The authors are critical of monolithic constructions of Europe, and also of the ethnic and national groups within it. in place of such exclusive cultural, political and territorial entities the book argues for a consideration of the diverse, hybrid and multiple nature of European cultural identities.

chapter 1|24 pages

Introduction

Archaeology and cultural identity in Europe

chapter 3|14 pages

Constructing identities through culture

The past in the forging of Europe

chapter 5|15 pages

All things bright and beautiful?

Species, ethnicity and cultural dynamics

chapter 6|20 pages

Imagining the new Europe

Identity and heritage in European Community discourse

chapter 11|12 pages

Celts and politics

chapter 12|17 pages

Celts and Iberians

Ideological manipulations in Spanish archaeology

chapter 13|13 pages

The identity of France

Archetypes in iron age studies

chapter 14|19 pages

Narratives of Veøy

On the poetics and scientifics of archaeology

chapter 15|10 pages

Archaeological sources as ethnical evidence

The case of the Eastern Vistula mouth

chapter 16|18 pages

‘Celtic' Iron Age Europe

The theoretical basis

chapter 17|15 pages

Britain after Rome

Between multiculturalism and monoculturalism