Development in South West Asia (SWA) of local initiatives in bioarchaeological practices and trainings

Organised by:
MASHKOUR M. (1) * , TENGBERG M. (2), CHAHOUD J. (3)
(1) CNRS, Paris, France
(2) Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
(3) Université Lyon 2, Lyon, France
*Corresponding author

Abstract:
Today no excavation can be imagined without the implication and integration of archaeobotany, archaeozoology, and molecular analyses. Within the last 40 years with the development of archaeological sciences, awerness of SWA and non SWA archaeologists has increased on the importance of natural sciences. The aim of this session is : 1) to have a state of art on the developement of bioarchaeological studies in South West Asia by local scholars. 2) to gather the archaeologists and the SWA community of archaeobotanists, archaeozoologists, physical anthropologists, biogeochemists to have a dialogue, to share their experience on when and how these developments took place. 3) to have the viewpoint of field archaeologists and how they deal with the requirement of bioarchaeological research and methods in the field in terms of sampling strategies and also in the frame of heritage regulations and policies. We expect to collect testimonies on these developments and how they impact today the younger generation, despite the political difficulties in the region for several decades. These unique trajectories and stories will constitute a solid documentation on the development of these scientific fields in the SWA countries and a guide for those who engage in this path. We also aim at publishing these testimonies in a single volume that will be as a bench mark for retracing the emergence and development of bioarchaeology in the almost 20 countries that constitute South West Asia.

Keywords:
Bioarchaeology, Collections, Training, Sampling, Heritage Regulations

The following participants will be taking part in the workshop:

Armenia – Roman Hovsepyan (AB)
Armenia – Nina Manaseryan
Cyprus – Hajikoumis-Vigne (AZ- Chypre- Maria Rousou (AB)
Cyprus – Pantelisa Mylona (Geomorpho)
Georgia – Nana Russishvili (AB)
Iran – Marjan Mashkour, Hosein Davoudi (AZ)
Iraq-  Carolyne Douché (AB)
Kazakhstan- William Rendu – Laboratoire xx (AZ- BGC)
Lebanon – Jwana Chahoud (AZ)
Pakistan – Aurore Didier, Margareta Tengberg, Marjan Mashkour, (AZ)
Saudi Arabia – Charlène Bouchaud (AB)
Saudi Arabia – Hervé Monchot, Moussab Albesso (AZ)
Syria – Emmanuelle Vila & Moussab Albesso (AZ)
Turkey – Mehmet Somel / Laurent Frantz (Paléogénétique)
Turkey – Muge Ergun (AB)
United Arab Emirates – Mark Beech (AZ)
Uzbekistan – Delphine Decruyenaere (Samarkand) (AZ)

Dr Mark Jonathan Beech (Scientific Research Lead, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi) will be presenting the following paper:

BIOARCHAEOLOGY RESEARCH IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Archaeology in the UAE has a comparatively young history and there is a paucity of publications on bioarchaeological research. Archaeologists operating there are aware of possibilities of integrating archaeobotany, archaeozoology, molecular analyses, physical anthropology, and geoarchaeological results with their work, but there are comparatively few opportunities for suitable research facilities or collaboration with colleagues.  There is also a distinct lack of institutions teaching bioarchaeology within the UAE and Gulf region. Many studies are carried out by visiting experts who either only stay a short time in the country, or who export the bioarchaeological remains so they may study the remains elsewhere. This has not helped to build local capacity and expertise in the region. Some suggestions for future best practice include ensuring full engagement with local institutions. The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD) will open its doors for the first time in 2025. This museum houses a research institute with significant archive and laboratory facilities. The NHMAD will become a hub for resident and visiting scientists to undertake research on its collections. The NHMAD welcomes future research collaborations with bioarchaeologists and will be actively looking to undertake joint training and research programmes.

This takes place in Session 6 – Life and death: Human behaviour and practices – Type of papers:  Workshop, at the 14th International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (ICAANE) which has been organised since 1998 by the scientific community of scholars working on and in the Near East. It is an exceptional forum for dialogue and scientific exchanges between all colleagues involved in the study of the Ancient Near East.

After twelve years, the ICAANE comes back to France to the city of lights Lyon. From 2-7 June 2025, the fourteenth International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East will take place in Lyon. It is organised by the Université Lumière Lyon 2 and theMaison de l’Orient et de la Méditerranée.

EVENT PLANNER – Registration

The 16th International Council for Archaeozoology (ICAZ) Working Group – Archaeozoology of Southwest Asia and Adjacent Areas (ASWA) conference will be held in Munich, Germany, from 25-28 May 2025.

Call for papers: 1 December 2024

Abstract submission deadline: 31 January 2025

Notification of acceptance for oral/poster presentations: 15 February 2025

Registration opens: 15 February 2025

Early bird registration closes: 30 March 2025

Registration closes: 15 April 2025

Pre-conference excursion: 25 May 2025

Conference: 26-28 May 2025

Professor Brian Cox gave a lecture entitled “Natural Universe of Wonders” on Thursday 12th December 2024 from 6-7pm at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

This event was sponsored by Callsign, the University of Manchester and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi – and was kindly hosted by the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Following an introduction by Peter C. Kjaergaard (Director of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi), Dame Nancy Rothwell (Former President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manchester) gave a welcome speech. Professor Brian Cox then presented an enthralling lecture unravelling the mysteries of the universe.

Following the lecture there was a reception held on the terrace outside Fouquet’s restaurant at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Peter Kjaergaard, Director of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manchester

Professor Brian Cox meets His Excellency Abdulla Ali Musleh Jumhour Al Ahbabi (Director, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank) and his son, as well as Professor Phil Manning and Dr Mark Jonathan Beech from the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi after his lecture.

I attended the Archaeology in the UAE Conference – 2024, organised by the Zayed National Museum and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and held at the Louvre Abu Dhabi from the 27th-28th November 2024.

Download the conference programme (PDF, 7 MB).

The whole conference was live streamed and recorded on the Zayed National Museum YouTube channel:

Day One – English (begins at 49:12) – Arabic (begins at 48:37)

Day Two – English (begins at 36:15) – Arabic (begins at 33:25)

The Archaeology Conference is an annual forum organised and hosted by the Zayed National Museum and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to share research, discussion and recognition of achievements in the field within the United Arab Emirates. The 2024 edition represents a significant milestone since archaeological work in the UAE began, leading to the theme “65 Years of Unearthing Our Past”. Across two days, a distinguished panel of national and international experts showcased the UAE’s rich history and the latest archaeological explorations in the region.

Several important topics were discussed including climate challenges, satellite imaging and near-surface geophysics, and digital engagement of Al Ain’s 3,000-year-old water aflaj systems. Key findings from past and recent excavations as well as news of ongoing explorations were presented.

يعد مؤتمر الآثار ملتق ًى سنوياً ينظمه متحف زايد الوطني كمنصة محورية للبحوث والحوارات وتكريم الإنجازات التي تم تحقيقها في مجال الآثار في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. وفي نسخته لعام 2024، يمثل المؤتمر محطة هامة منذ انطلاق الأعمال الأثرية في دولة الإمارات، ومسيرة استكشاف ماضينا المتواصلة على مدار 65 عاماً. وتنعقد فعاليات المؤتمر على مدار يومين بمشاركة نخبة من الخبراء المحليين والعالميين المرموقين الذين يسلطون الضوء على تاريخ الدولة العريق وأحّدث الاكتشافات الأثرية في المنطقة. ستثمر أعمال المؤتمر عن مجموعة وفيرة من الرؤى والبيانات الجديدة في ع ّدة مجالات ها ّمة منها التحديات المناخية والتصوير بالأقمار الصناعية والجيوفيزياء القريبة من السطح والربط الرقمي لأنظمة المياه (الأفلاج) التي يزيد عمرها عن 3000 عام في مدينة العين. ويتمثل الهدف في تسليط الضوء على أبرز الاكتشافات التي توصلت إليها عمليات التنقيب في الماضي وحّديثاً، وذلك في سبيل تشجيع ونشر المعارف المستجدة حّول الاكتشافات المتواصلة. وبالنسبة للخبراء والمتمرسين في هذا المجال العلمي، يتيح مؤتمر الآثار فرصة فريدة لبناء علاقات جديدة وتوطيد العلاقات الحالية، وبالتالي إتاحّة المزيد من فرص التعاون والاكتشافات الجديدة.

There is a special event being held at Abu Dhabi Art 2024 (20-24 November 2024) on Wednesday 20th November from 5:00-6:00 PM. It will take place in the Fann Majlis by BMW, in front of the main entrance to Manarat Al Saadiyat. For location details click here.

The event is called “A Journey through Palaeontology and Archaeology of the UAE”. It will feature the following speakers:

• Dr Mark Jonathan Beech (Scientific Research Lead, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi) – “A Journey through the Palaeontology of Abu Dhabi”
• Dr Richard Cuttler (Head of Archaeology and Palaeontology, Historic Environment Department, Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi) – “A Journey through the Archaeology of Abu Dhabi – From the Palaeolithic to the Neolithic period”
• Dr Federico Borgi (Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm al-Quwain, Department of Tourism and Archaeology, Umm al-Quwain, UAE) – “A Journey through the Archaeology of the UAE – Setting the Scene”
• Dr Michele Degli Esposti (Consultant archaeologist, Department of Tourism and Archaeology, Umm al-Quwain, UAE) – “A Journey through the Archaeology of the UAE – From the Bronze Age to the Pre-Islamic period”

Abu Dhabi Art expands beyond the notion of a traditional art fair in placing emphasis on a diverse public engagement programme, including art installations and exhibitions, talks and events, that take place in different locations throughout the year. The culmination of this year-long programme is the Abu Dhabi Art event in November, which provides an important sales platform for participating galleries whilst also offering these galleries an opportunity to showcase ambitious installations and site-specific works by their artists to a wide audience.

Under the patronage of
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council

Abu Dhabi Art is supported by a Host Committee chaired by Her Highness Shaikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan.

The annual art fair each November is the culmination of the year-round visual arts programme. The fair brings together a number of local and international galleries offering artworks for sale which are shown alongside exhibitions, artist commissions and installations both at the fair and across the emirate.

Dates & Times:
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 November 2024 | 2-9pm

We look forward to meeting you at Abu Dhabi Art 2024!

I plan to attend and present a paper co-authored with Kevin Lidour at the World Neolithic Congress, due to be held in Sanliurfa, Turkey, from 4-8 November 2024.

General Programme – click here
General Programme with Rooms – click here
Detailed Programme by Sessions – click here
Detailed Programme by Date-Class – click here
Detailed Programme by Class-Date – click here
To Register Attendance  – click here

Title:
Submission 3285 – Insights into a Neolithic maritime economy: Recent archaeological research from Abu Dhabi’s islands, United Arab Emirates

Authors:
Kevin Lidour, Historic Environment Department, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 94000, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – email: klidour@dctabudhabi.ae

Mark Jonathan Beech, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 94000, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – email: mark.beech@dctabudhabi.ae

Abstract:

In this paper we explore the implications of new discoveries from recent archaeological excavations carried out along the coast of Abu Dhabi emirate in the southern Arabian Gulf. Investigations on Delma Island, Marawah Island and Ghagha Island have provided a new insight into Neolithic coastal life in the southern Gulf. Radiocarbon dates indicate that these coastal settlements were occupied by 6500 cal BC (on Ghagha Island), between 5800-4500 cal BC (on Marawah Island) and between 5400-4500 cal BC (on Delma Island). Remarkable settlements with stone architecture with clusters of stone-built rooms preserved to nearly one metre in height have been discovered on both Ghagha and Marawah Islands. Finds include interesting lithics assemblages, plaster vessel fragments, shell and stone beads and other artefacts. Here we will describe some of the key bioarchaeological remains discovered at these sites. These include relatively scarce evidence for the exploitation of terrestrial mammals, but abundant fish bones and marine shells, as well as evidence for the consumption of marine mammals, turtles and other marine organisms. Early evidence for the exploitation of what are presumed to be wild date palms has been identified from Delma Island, raising the possibility of them being harvested in Eastern Arabia prior to their subsequent regional domestication. Evidence of this highly specialised maritime economy demonstrates an alternative pathway and strategy utilised in this region of South-West Asia during the Neolithic period. It shows a complex interdependent economy that leveraged the region’s rich marine resources on the Fertile Coast.

This paper will be presented in the following session:

R29 – Breaking the Neolithic in Asia: Questioning Tropes, Recentering Boundaries and Nuancing Lifeways

Jennifer Bates / Seoul National University, South Korea
Matthew L. Conte / Seoul National University, South Korea
Yeji Lee / Seoul National University, South Korea
JungWoo Choi / Seoul National University, South Korea
Kim Pangyu / Seoul National University, South Korea

Abstract

That the Three Age system and the subdivisions of the lithic ages do not work outside Europe and Near East has been debated in many forums. However, beyond this easily cited trope, the age-old idea of a “Neolithic” continually raises its head within literature. We see the presence of agriculture as a way to ‘mark’ the Neolithic, the absence of microliths as a marker of change, and ceramics used to debate the validity of chronological boundaries. Nuances underlying what this meant for the lives lived by people and the diversity underlying this in different regions are often overlooked in the eagerness to ‘find’ the Neolithic. The Neolithic has in essence become an ‘archaeo-geological age’ – so stratigraphically bounded and ubiquitous we find it hard to break from its presence. Local narratives are peripheralized in favour of an all encompassing, un-nuanced and imported age. In this session we invite papers that explore diversity and break the homogeneity of ‘Neolithic’ life in Asia, moving away from mere tropes to how new lifeways were adopted, assimilated, rejected or replaced in different parts of Asia. Debates in the Neolithic of Asia (e.g.: use of aquatic resources, the adoption of pastoral and agricultural systems, domestication, changes in technology) are sought to explore the diversity of what it was ‘to have been Neolithic’. Through this session we ask: is there something about the ‘Neolithic’ as a concept and term that helps people to understand the diversity of lifeways and societies associated with it across regions within Asia?

About the 2024 World Neolithic Congress

The 2024 World Neolithic Congress aims to bring together discussion of diverse Neolithic formations that took place across different geographical locations in different time-frames following diverse cultural and socio-economic trajectories. The Congress will provide a platform for comparing increasing Neolithic social complexity in different parts of the world.

The emergence of Neolithic cultures has been one of the most critical turning points in human history laying the foundations for our present global impact and population size, and playing a significant role in the evolution of human society over the past 12,000 years.

The Congress intends to challenge conventional theories and terminologies on the emergence and the development of productive and newly adapted ways of living.

Focus will be on sedentary lifeways, impacts on nature, the built environment , social hierarchies, the cognitive frameworks for ever-shifting norms, ontological approaches, symbols, identities, beliefs, cult practices, sanctuaries, artworks, cognition, innovation , technologies, languages, craft specialization, resilience, demographic pressure, climatic fluctuations, defining the impact of environmental settings; the use and implications of natural and bioscience research, particularly genetic, isotopic, residues, radiocarbon dating, physical anthropology, geoarchaeology, and also the most recent archaeological results from primary and secondary core areas of Neolithic formations.

The Congress aims to foster new ways of looking and thinking about Neolithic phenomena on both local and global scales.

Click on this link for the Instagram video promotion

Visit the Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival at NYUAD Arts Centre from 25-27 October 2024, and meet some of the staff from the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi  who will be exploring stories of natural history and its role in understanding our interconnected world.

Supported by the:
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Emirates Nature – WWF

Organised and Hosted by:
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
The Arts Centre – New York University Abu Dhabi

The fourth edition of the Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival is here! 🌍 This year’s festival celebrates the theme “All Living Beings,” highlighting the deep interconnectedness of creatures and communities. Aligned with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, it reflects our shared commitment to preserving the planet for future generations. 🌿

In addition to powerful films, the festival offers events like Kayaking for Conservation, a School Roadshow, an Exhibition, and a Panel by staff of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD), where experts will explore stories of natural history and its role in understanding our interconnected world.

🎟 Stay tuned to book your tickets to this unmissable journey, in partnership with Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and The Arts Center at New York University Abu Dhabi.

📅 25-27 October 2024
📍 The Arts Center at New York University Abu Dhabi

#ASEFF2024
#EnvironmentAbuDhabi
#yearofsustainability
#nahaUAE

توشك الدورة الرابعة من مهرجان السدر للأفلام البيئية على الانطلاق🌍 وهذا العام؛ يحتفل المهرجان بموضوع “جميع الكائنات الحية”، حيث يتسلط الضوء على الترابط بين المخلوقات والمجتمعات. وتماشيًا مع عام الاستدامة، تعكس الدورة الجديدة من المهرجان التزامنا المشترك بالحفاظ على الكوكب للأجيال القادمة. 🌿

وعلاوة على الأفلام المتميزة المشاركة معنا هذا العام؛ يقدم المهرجان فعاليات رائعة تجمع بين التسلية والحفاظ على البيئة مثل التجديف بالكاياك وعروض في مختلف المدارس ومعرض وندوة يحاضر فيها الخبراء في متحف التاريخ الطبيعي بأبوظبي بالإضافة إلى محاضرة من خبراء التنوع البيولوجي في هيئة البيئة أبوظبي، حيث سيتحدثون عن التاريخ الطبيعي، ودوره في فهم عالمنا المتشابك.

🎟 ترقبوا الإعلان عن افتتاح حجز تذاكر المهرجان لتعيشوا خبرة رائعة بالشراكة مع هيئة البيئة – أبوظبي ومركز الفنون في جامعة نيويورك أبوظبي.
📅 27-25 أكتوبر 2024
📍 مركز الفنون في جامعة نيويورك أبوظبي

#هيئة_البيئة
#ناها_الإمارات
#عام_الاستدامة

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the Saadiyat Cultural District to see progress on the Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Team Lab Phenomenon.

Construction of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is now 88% complete.

Click here for more information

I am presenting a paper at the 2nd International Council for Archaeozoology Medieval Working Group conference, due to be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 2-6 October 2024.

Here is a link to the Conference Programme  on the conference website.

Conference Programme (PDF, 5.8 MB) – click here

Conference Abstracts (PDF, 5.8 MB) – click here

PAPER TITLE:

Archaeozoological Studies of the Islamic Period in the United Arab Emirates: Past Work and Future Potential

ABSTRACT:

This paper provides a synthesis of previous archaeozoological studies carried out on archaeological sites dating to the Islamic period in the United Arab Emirates. Most archaeozoological studies in the United Arab Emirates and Gulf region have concentrated on analysing material from prehistoric sites, and there has been a paucity of studies on the Islamic or Medieval period. This is a pity as there are many coastal sites, and even sites within the desert interior, dating to this period known in the region, but then only a few of them have faunal assemblages. This paper highlights a few interesting case studies and discusses what areas future research might cover. Our Abu Dhabi archaeology team was recently involved in the preservation of some Late Islamic period (18^th to early 20^th century) shell middens on Hudayriyat Island, which is immediately adjacent to Abu Dhabi Island, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.  These middens contain substantial quantities of pearl oyster shells, fish, turtle and dugong bones which have not yet been studied in detail. These were protected and a heritage trail was designed around them with heritage information signs. Some public art and other facilities were also introduced to complement the preservation of the archaeozoological remains. The establishment of the new Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi where I am currently working, which is due to open at the end of 2025, will provide new facilities and research collections which will benefit future archaeozoology research in the Middle East region.

KEYWORDS:
Islamic, Medieval, Animal bones, Fish, Dugongs, Turtles, Marine shells, Ethnoarchaeology, Traditional Practices, Shell Middens, Cooking techniques

A long tradition of archaeozoological studies has widely proven that medieval societies can be fruitfully investigated through the analysis of animal remains, providing key information on a period which saw the birth and development of important economic models and socio-political structures. In the Middle Ages, with significant geographical and chronological variations, the establishment of different settlement types prompted the development of various mechanisms of animal exploitation, as well as of redistribution and consumption of their products; in addition, the basic principles of social differentiation were also applied through the procurement and intake of different – animal – food products. Such mechanisms of exchange, specialisation and socio-cultural differentiation often produced several defined patterns of animal use that can be detected by archaeozoologists.

Within this research context, the Medieval period Working Group (MWG) was founded in 2021 as an important platform where archaeozoologists dealing with the Middle Ages can present, share, compare and discuss their data. The Group is open also to researchers investigating geographic areas outside Medieval Europe but adjacent and/or related to it. Similarly, archaeozoologists working on the Late Roman period/Late Antiquity and the early post-medieval period, on topics relevant to the study of the Middle Ages, are encouraged to join; in this sense, the Medieval period Working Group complements well the work carried out by the Roman Period Working Group and the Zooarchaeology of the Modern Era Working Group.

The current coordinator of the MWG is Dr Veronica Aniceti (University of Bergen, Norway), and the ICAZ liaisons are Dr Idoia Grau-Sologestoa (University of Basel, Switzerland), Prof. Pam Crabtree (New York University, USA), and Dr Mauro Rizzetto (American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Greece).

Next meeting and contacts

The 2nd Meeting of the Medieval period Working Group will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, between the 02 – 06 of October 2024. The event is co-organized by the National Museum for Natural History (NMNHS-BAS), The National Archaeological Institute of Bulgaria (NAIM-BAS) and the Regional history museum – Sofia.

The Organizing Committee consists of Dr. Nadezhda Karastoyanova (NMNHS-BAS/ NAIM-BAS), Stella Nikolova (NAIM-BAS), Dr. Petar Parvanov (NAIM-BAS), and Silvia Tosheva (NMNHS-BAS).

The Meeting will be held in person, and this is the preferred format. A Zoom online stream will be available for people who are unable to attend and would like to listen. The call for abstracts is open until the end of February and you can apply using our site https://mwgsofia2024.weebly.com/ or by emailing us on: mwg.sofia.2024@gmail.com.

If you need more information and/or would like to become a member of the MWG, please write to mwg.icaz@gmail.com . Updates and information are also regularly posted on the MWG Facebook page and Twitter account (@Medieval_ICAZ).

Our conference logo is based on a Medieval UNESCO Bulgarian landmark “The Madara Horseman”.

I am very happy to announce my new job as Scientific Research Lead in the Scientific, Curatorial, & Collections Management Section of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD) at the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT). I started on Monday 16th September 2024.

After 30 years of involvement in archaeological and palaeontological research in Abu Dhabi emirate, I am very much looking forward to new challenges in being part of the team involved in the creation and establishment of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. I would like to give my greatest thanks to all my dear colleagues and former colleagues with whom I have worked over the years in the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey (ADIAS), Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and in the Historic Environment Department at the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi). I am not moving very far away and I hope to collaborate with many of you in the future.