S61 – Middle Palaeolithic diversity in Asia
For the last two decades, the archaeological records on Asian Middle Palaeolithic have been challenged by paleogenetic, paleoanthropological, and, recently, paleoproteomic data. The previously established divisions and even paradigms started to crumble, and cultural data still struggle to be integrated into this renewed scenario. On the other hand, within the last decade, we can see […]
S60 – The Shell Middens of South and Southeast Asia
Shell middens have always been an important topic of prehistoric and historic archaeology, since the very beginning when they were discovered in Denmark in the early 19th century. The discovery of shell middens in the Arabian Peninsula are linked with the study of the fish eaters of the classical authors, the Ichthyofagoi, who inhabited the […]
S59 – Early musical behaviour in Eurasian prehistory: Inputs from archaeoacoustics and iconography
Archaeological evidence indicates the presence of large bird bones and mammoth ivory flutes dating back to the Aurignacian period in Europe, with significant discoveries at the German caves of Geißenklösterle, Hohle Fels, and Vogelherd. However, it is likely that musical behaviour predates these objects, manifested perhaps through intangible activities such as vocalizations, handclapping, and body […]
S58 – Maritime Cultures in Southeast Asia: from Early Coastal Communities to the Emergence of States
Southeast Asia’s maritime history is rich and deeply intertwined with the cultural development of the region. The sea provided a “gateway” for human migration from the earliest humans to the rise of empires, shaping every aspect of the life of humans in social, cultural, economic, and political terms; it served as a gateway for migration […]
S57 – Biological Anthropology Unveiled: Human Evolution, Migration, and Adaptation Across Time and Space
This session seeks to foster a comprehensive exploration of biological anthropology, encompassing a wide range of chronological, geographic, theoretical, and methodological perspectives. By bringing together researchers from diverse backgrounds, we aim to stimulate critical dialogue, share innovative approaches, and advance our understanding of human evolution and migration. A particular emphasis will be placed on the […]
S56 – Inscribing early archaeological sites in Unesco’s World Heritage List
Most of the physical, psychological, physiological characteristics of humankind were shaped over the 2.6 million years of the Pleistocene geological period. During that incredibly long time period, the hominins faced impressive climatic changes showing strong resilience, adapting and developing technologies and keeping in balance with the environment. During the last few millennia of the Quaternary, […]
S55 – Hoabinhian: Current State and Debates
Hoabinhian is a unique and distinctive prehistoric techno-complex that existed in the Southeast Asia region. Interregional linkages and comparative characteristics of technology, subsistence, environment, and population are key to understanding this culture that persisted from the Late Pleistocene to the Early Holocene. Since its first discovery, numerous studies have been conducted on Hoabinhian material culture […]
S54 – Prehistory and Education: A Social Responsibility
Prehistory is part of school curricula as a vital part of human history. It is mainly taught in classrooms, but since the late 20th century, museums and heritage centers have also played a key role in informal learning through interactive programs. The session explores innovative ways to disseminate prehistoric knowledge through formal and informal education. […]
S53 – Approaches and Practices in Tropical Prehistory
Stakes in studying Prehistory in tropical regions are vast and offer a unique perspective on the evolution of human societies. Throughout Quaternary, due to their specific climatic and ecological conditions, these areas have indeed played a central role in shaping human behaviors, technologies, and subsistence strategies adapted to often challenging environments. Ultimately, the prehistory of […]
S51 – Ethno-prehistory in Southeast Asia
This session seeks to engage scholars, researchers, and practitioners in an interdisciplinary discourse that highlights the pivotal role of ethnoarchaeological methodologies in elucidating prehistoric human behavior, material culture, and social structures across Asia. In light of the complex interplay between archaeological data and contemporary ethnographic parallels, Ethno-prehistory in Southeast Asia offers a unique vantage point […]