Cornell University will host an international conference on November 1-2 focusing on the impact of political repression on archaeology and cultural heritage. Titled “Unearthing Unseeing: Archaeology, Heritage, and Forensics in the Shadow of State Violence,” the event features over 40 presentations with discussions on heritage and state violence globally. Keynote speakers include Alfredo González-Ruibal and Lori Khatchadourian, exploring the ethical implications of archaeological findings related to violence and inequality.
Cornell University is set to host an international conference on November 1-2, focused on the effects of political repression on archaeology and cultural heritage. Titled “Unearthing Unseeing: Archaeology, Heritage, and Forensics in the Shadow of State Violence,” this event will explore innovative approaches to cultural remains impacted by current conflicts and historical traumas. Over the course of two days, attendees can expect more than 40 presentations examining the intersections of archaeology, heritage, and state violence globally—from Azerbaijan to Brazil, and even here in New York. Among the notable keynote speakers is Alfredo González-Ruibal, who will discuss the neglect of violence and inequality in urban archaeological studies, and Lori Khatchadourian, who will address the ethical implications of the Armenian Genocide in Near Eastern archaeology. Adam T. Smith, a distinguished professor and director of the Cornell Institute for Archaeology and Material Studies, explains that the conference arises from efforts to combat cultural erasure. He highlights a critical moment in history where the preservation of heritage sites is threatened by authoritarian regimes that aim to obliterate uncomfortable truths from the past.
The conference emerges against a backdrop of intensified political repression worldwide, where archaeological and cultural sites face destruction due to rising authoritarianism. By focusing on the interplay between archaeology and state violence, it seeks to shed light on how modern and historical conflicts impact cultural heritage. The discussions aim to elevate the importance of preserving these sites for future generations and understanding the narratives they hold.
The “Unearthing Unseeing” conference at Cornell represents a vital conversation around the preservation of cultural heritage amid rising state violence and repression. By gathering experts from around the globe, it addresses significant ethical questions and highlights the critical need to combat cultural erasure. The insights shared at this event could inspire more profound changes in how societies protect their historical narratives.
Original Source: news.cornell.edu
