Archaeology in Antarctica

Description

Archaeology in Antarctica outlines the history of archaeology in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic. The book details for the first time all past archaeological work in Antarctica, relating to both its use for conservation and research purposes, drawing on published, unpublished and oral information. This work has addressed historic and current scientific bases, explorers’ huts, whaling stations and sealing shelters. The ongoing and long-term research on the sealing shelters and sites in the South Shetland Islands features prominently. The archaeology enables new perspectives on the impact of global modernity and empire in the Antarctic and challenges established dominant discourses on the ‘heroic’ nature of human interaction with the continent. The work on sealing sites gives voice to the experiences of the sealer as a subaltern group previously largely overlooked by historical sources. This book will appeal to students and researchers in archaeology, history and heritage as well as readers interested in the human and historical aspects of Antarctica’s past and present. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of Figures List of Tables Acknowledgements Introduction 1 Developing an Understanding of Archaeology in Antarctica – Human Interactions with a Polar Environment 1.1 The Historical and Geographical Background 1.2 The Material/Textual Context 1.3 Working in a Unique Geo-Political Environment 2 The History of Archaeological Investigations in Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic Islands 2.1 The Archaeology of Exploration and Science – the ‘Heroic Era’ Huts 2.2 The Archaeology of Late-Nineteenth and Twentieth-Century Scientific Stations and Field Camps 2.3 Discussion of the Archaeology of Huts and Scientific Stations 2.4 The Archaeology of Sealing, Whaling and Penguining in the Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic 2.5 Discussion of Sealing, Penguining and Whaling Archaeology 3 The Archaeology of the South Shetland Islands 3.1 History of Archaeological Work in the South Shetland Islands 3.2 The South Shetlands Sealing Project – ‘Landscapes in White’ 3.3 Final Words 4 Approaching Sealers’ Practices and Experiences 4.1 Working Practices 4.2 Subsistence and Leisure Time Practices 4.3 Conclusion – Everyday Life Scenarios Final Thoughts 40 Years of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Archaeology Ways Forward Bibliography Appendix: Sealing Sites Identified in the South Shetland Islands (to 2018) Index