From the Rainforest to the Coast: Archaeomalacology and long-term human-environment interactions in Sri Lanka
Abstract:
A recently initiated research project in Sri Lanka aims to understand how people adapted to new and changing environments in in the past. Archaeological shell assemblages are being used as the initial analytical focal point to investigate late Pleistocene to late Holocene (c.48,000-2,000 BP) palaeoeconomic adaptations across the major biogeographic zones of southern Sri Lanka. This area provides unique evidence for long-term occupation across diverse environments, enabling the integration of archaeological and palaeoenvironmental data at different scales and resolution. A key aspect of this research is the assessment of diverse/multiple lines of evidence, evaluating the nature of long and short-term trends in human-environmental interactions (i.e. resilience vs. impacts).
About the presenter:
Pat is a Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Sydney. A zooarchaeologist, he specialises in archaeomalacology, focusing on understanding human-environment interactions and the spatial and temporal dimensions of coastal economies. Following his PhD research in the Northern Territory, he has worked collaboratively on a range of projects investigating the coastal economies of tropical northern Australia, the Torres Strait Islands and Papua New Guinea, Oman and Eastern Africa.
Housekeeping:
Please be aware that we are still operating under Covid-19 regulations during public events. Hand sanitiser and wipes will be available for use. Masks are no longer required at UQ locations—however, UQ strongly encourages mask wearing when physical distancing is not possible. UQ strongly encourages all campus attendees to be up to date with vaccinations. And finally, those who are feeling unwell, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 7 days or have been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 7 days, are asked not to attend this seminar.
In more positive (and delicious) housekeeping news, the pizza Cafe has been booked from 4pm onwards.
About Archaeology Working Papers
The Working Papers in Archaeology seminar series provides a forum for dissemination of archaeological research and ideas amongst UQ archaeology students and staff. All students are invited to attend the series and postgraduate students, from honours upwards, are invited to present their research. The aim is to provide opportunities for students, staff and those from outside UQ, to present and discuss their work in an informal environment. It is hoped that anyone interested in current archaeological directions, both within and outside the School and University, will be able to attend and contribute to the series.
