Friday, January 27, 2006
Michael Coe Shallit Lecture
The lecture this year, "Dawn of the Maya Civilization", in my opinion, was one of the better Shallit lectures so far. Dr. Coe really made the lecture understandable for everyone in the audience (and for hacks like me it helps to keep it simple and interesting). He used some really cool 3D models of Mayan temples as well as some great satellite imagery. I guess thats the benefit of working at Yale and being one of the premiere Mayan scholars. One point that he made at the beginning of his lecture concerning theory was very interesting to me. He basically said that he doesnt subscribe to all of the theories that are floating around out there and that they all come and go. He said that he considers himself a cultural historian instead. I found this quite refreshing since I have a hard time with all the theories involved with archaeology in the first place. I am the first to admint my limited knowledge here, but in my mind, let the culture speak for itself. What is the point of having theories that you cannot test and prove right or wrong? I understand that we all have our theories, and on a small scale it makes sense, but these large overriding ideas that are imposed in a one-size fits all doesnt make sense to me. Anyway, I thought Dr. Coe's statement about being a Cultural Historian was interesting and a quiet slap in the face to some of the theorists. I will get off my soap box now...
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8 comments:
Scott, thanks for the update. I have to say that is a lecture I wish I could have seen. Coe is considered one of the great synthesizers of Mayan arch. With the onslaught of post-processual theory, it is refreshing to get a culture historian every once in a while to keep us up to date on what was what and when. Anyway, is there any way to get a copy of the publication that will come out on the talk (electronic or hard copy)?
I think so. It may be awhile though before we get it from him. I guess he was headed down to Brazil to fish for Peacock Bass, or so I am told. We just got Dr. Kirch's lecture if that gives you an idea of how long they usually take to get back to us. I will let you know though.
scott,
Way to represent. Coe's talk was very similar to John Clark's talk a few semesters ago. All about the mother culture.
All in all it was a good lecture.
I must say, I laugh really hard when Chris says "suck it" to different groups of people and individuals.
Not that most of you weren't there to hear it, but I just think this is a wonderful opportunity to remind you that Coe is publishing something on Historic archaeology this year and supports it. What a breath of fresh air, eh? A primarily prehistoric archaeologist who can support historics. Hmm...
But seriously, my feel on his attitude toward theory was more just that he's from that die-hard culture historian age anyway. So yes it's nice to have a few out there sometimes--it is refreshing--but ultimately I think we have to face the reality that ours is very much a theory-based discipline. No we don't need to go in for the big broads, but we need to have a solid feel for where we stand on the biggies. 501 was particularly good for that this past fall. Atleast for me.
Coe was probably just bored and needed a historic project to pass the time. Probably did it during the Christmas break or something.
Nice try, Aaron. =) More like this was one of those instances in which we see demonstrable proof that there is a higher law--the love of all people, not just really old ones. What happened to that "Can't we just get along"?
Well, let's call it like it is. Coe did not gain noterity as a historic archaeologist. He is first and foremost a Mayanist. If anything, this was just a side interest.
Historic archaeology is important and is interesting to some. I don't think we need to keep justifying it over and over.
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