Archaeological approaches to the cultural construction of islands

Abstract

This volume of Shima presents a collection of seven articles that explore different dimensions of island cultures from an archaeological perspective1

. Together, the authors bring a variety of parameters into play, including physical v cultural interaction and isolation, innovation, conservatism, sense of place, social memory and identity; and question these concepts at different spatial and temporal scales2

. The case studies are drawn mostly from Europe, with a foray into the Indian Ocean, but the ideas presented here should resonate with researchers working in other parts of the world, both in archaeology and cognate disciplines. Over time, cultural interaction creates multiple layers of identity. The physical remains left behind by island communities contain vital clues regarding this process, which as archaeologists we seek to understand. Cultural interaction affects us all, but its effects can be amplified on islands, as discussed by the papers in this issue.