The IV Semana Internacional de Arqueologia – Discentes MAE/USP (IV International Archaeology Week - Students MAE/USP), continuing the meetings promoted since 2007, invites colleagues to discuss the directions of our profession and present/listen the work that have been going on in the area. Like all the previous editions, we tried to promote a meeting where the role is geared to the students, graduation and post graduation, making room for us to expose our research and accumulation, stimulating collective interaction. In 2015, our traditional ostrich logo came "out of the hole" to join its companions to reflect in community about the archaeological science, theory, practice and methods.
Undoubtedly, in the last ten years archeology has taken a quantitative leap in Brazil: the number of ordinances issued by IPHAN increased as well as the number of undergraduate and graduate courses.
Archaeology entering the center of debates that go beyond its simple production of knowledge (environmental licensing, indigenous law, possession of territories, education, vocational training, musealization, labor rights, etc.) has been encouraging critical reflections on political interests and role of archeology in this scenario. Archaeologists are increasingly compelled to think more about the present and be less confined to the past.
The increase in the volume of research, the greatest knowledge of prehistoric occupation in Brazil, technological innovation, greater opportunities for research and employment are undeniable elements of the advancement of the archaeological science and of those who participate in it. At the same time, in this interwoven context of optimism, doing archeology is configured as a challenge to the extent that issues such as political disputes, university crises, cutting funding, sexism and oppression are latent in our day-to-day.
Therefore, we tought of themes that, besides adding the most diverse student´s research of the country giving space and prominence to them and they, may also contribute to the debate about how archeology can contribute to the tumultuous social situation of the world. Bringing together intenational researchers working in different contexts, with different goals and epistemological views aims to make us aware of the diversity of scientific production and the way they reflect in our society.
In this issue, we also have the pleasure of participating together with the events that celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da Universidade de SãoPaulo (Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology of the University of São Paulo), a theme that will be addressed especially in our Photographic Exhibition. To learn more about MAE´s anniversary celebration events, access
In a democratic and open meeting, the sole purpose is to hear and be heard! To all students, researchers, professors and workers, feel invited to take part in another Archaeology week!
Welcome!