The Archaeology of Capitalism in Colonial Contexts

The Archaeology of Capitalism in Colonial Contexts: Postcolonial Historical Archaeologies explores the complex interplay of colonial and capital formations throughout the modern world. The authors present a critical approach to this topic, trying to shift discourses in the theoretical framework of historical archaeology of capitalism and colonialism through the use of postcolonial theory. This work does not suggest a new theoretical framework as such, but rather suggests the importance of revising key theoretical terms employed within historical archaeology, arguing for new engagements with postcolonial theory of relevance to all historical archaeologists as the field de-centers from its traditional locations.

Examining case studies from North America, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe, the chapters offer an unusually broad ranging geography of historical archaeology, with each focused on the interplay between the particularisms of colonial structures and the development of capitalism and wider theoretical discussions. Every author also draws attention to the ramifications of their case studies in the contemporary world. With its cohesive theoretical framework this volume is a key resource for those interested in decolonizing historical archaeology in theory and praxis, and for those interested in the development of modern global dynamics.

Sarah K. Croucher is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology; Archaeology, and Feminist, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Wesleyan University, Connecticut, and a 2010 - 2011 Weatherhead Fellow at the School for Advanced Research, Santa Fe. Her research centers on nineteenth century East Africa, exploring themes of Omani colonialism which was embedded in new forms of capitalist trade. She has conducted survey and excavation work on Zanzibar and in mainland Tanzania, examining archaeological contexts of the nineteenth century caravan trade and of clove plantations. Her PhD (University of Manchester) won the Society for Historical Archaeology 2008 dissertation prize and is currently being revised for publication. She has published articles in the Journal of Social Archaeology and The International Journal of African History, and chapters in several edited volumes. She is also the co-author (with E. Casella) of The Alderley Sandhills Project: An Archaeology of Community Life in (Post)Industrial England (2010, Manchester University Press).

Lindsay Weiss is a postdoctoral scholar in the Archaeology Center and the
Department of Anthropology at Stanford University.  Her research specializes in the politics of postcolonial heritage, and the 19^th century diamond rush in South Africa.  Lindsay earned her doctorate at Columbia University in 2009.  Her doctoral research explores the history of the late 19th century South African diamond rush and the role that speculative culture played in establishing apartheid conditions on the Diamond Fields.  Her archaeological research examines the social and political significance of changes in material culture before and after segregation.