Abstract nr. TH1-02
Petrification Processes in (Pre-)History
Author - Hueglin, Sophie, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
(Presenting author)
Co-author(s) - Gramsch, Alexander, Roemisch-Germanische Kommission, Frankfurt am Main,
Germany
Topic - Interpreting the Archaeological Record
Keywords: Hierarchisation, Petrification, Standardisation
Processes of consolidation and structuring – in nature or in culture, in space or in time – which
lead to something more permanent, trans-generational or even ‘eternal’ can be called petrification.
This can be observed in material culture when more durable, heavier, and inorganic materials are
used, but also in societies when social relations become more stable, hierarchical and predefined.
For this session we suggest studying parallel petrification processes in different spheres of
material culture as well as in human interaction. The change from wood to stone in architecture
and the replacement of organic containers by ceramic vessels could indicate a more sedentary
and consolidated lifestyle. A standardisation of shapes, the development of a ‘classic style’, and
the harmonisation of ritual and feasting practices can be an attempt to unify belief systems and
social structures.
However, what if the change occurs only in, for example, grave architecture or affects economic
structures without a matching transformation in social structure? Is inconsistency and discrepancy
in such processes what Clifford Geertz called the ‘simultaneity of the non-simultaneous’, thus
leading to social tension? Moreover, how adaptable to change and thus how resilient is a highly
petrified society? Are there turning points or ‘points of no return’ within processes of petrification?
We would like to invite speakers to investigate across all periods how processes of consolidation
or petrification occur and whether parallel developments can be observed:
in the natural environment
in different spheres of material culture and
in aspects of social relations and practices.
Presentation Preference Regular session (half day)