THIRD CALL FOR PAPERS
Theme: EVOLVING TRENDS IN ARCHAEOLOGY, HERITAGE STUDIES AND TOURISM IN AFR ICA
A CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGFRERIA (AAN) IN HONOUR OF LATE PROFESSOR (SIR) ALEX IKECHUKWU OKPOKO, KSM
13-16 October 2019
Department of Archaeology and Tourism
University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Late Professor (Sir) Alexander Ikechukwu Okpoko was an exemplary scholar, an institution builder and a respected intellectual in the field of Nigerian archaeology. His contributions to the development of Nigerian archaeology, right from the late 1970s when he took up appointment with the University of Ibadan up until his demise in 2018 after retirement from the University of Nigeria, have stood the test of time. He has researched extensively in the field of applied archaeology, especially cultural resource management, with special focus on museum studies and tourism. His co-authored book Practicing Archaeology in Africa alongside other academic publications have been useful in understanding archaeological practice and promoting indigenous epistemologies in Africa. His viewpoints, based on prolific research have given birth to paradigms, which have influenced the study of African archaeology. Consequently, there is a need to interrogate some of the ideologies and issues raised by Prof Okpoko and chart a new course for Africa’s development. Indeed, the decolonisation of knowledge through the perspectives he brought to the study of African archaeology and heritage studies has resonated in Africa and beyond; and no doubt contributed to national development.
Okpoko’s commitment to promoting African archaeology and cultural heritage is clearly seen in his relentless and undaunted efforts, even until his demise, with the classic work he had in press at the time of his death titled African Cultural Heritage in Time Perspective. The epistemologies that have emerged after his indigenous pioneering role in the field of archaeology, tourism and heritage studies form the focus of this conference in his memory. Today’s archaeologists are putting down shovels and turning to technologies that encourage archaeological investigations with as little damage as possible. These new multi-scalar approaches to research will be explored during this conference by interested participants.
This conference brings together local and international scholars and participants to celebrate the life, research and career of one of Africa’s finest indigenous archaeologists in the twentieth and twenty first centuries. The conference seeks to unravel the contributions of indigenous and Africanists archaeologists to scholarship. Sir Alex Okpoko, had a long teaching experience at the University of Ibadan and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He contributed to the training of younger academics who are presently charged with the
responsibility of holding the fort in his absence. In line with this, it is necessary to x-ray the challenges, and progress made so far in archaeology and heritage education in Africa with a view to suggesting the way forward. His advocacy for Africanism was exemplified in the vital role he played in the collapse of Apartheid in South Africa through the platform of World Archaeological Congress. This same Africanist enthusiasm will be brought to the fore while discussing the issues and prospects associated with the management of Africa’s heritage resources.
Scholars and participants are invited to send a 250-word abstract on any of the following sub-themes:
- Indigenous and Africanist archaeologists
- Archaeology and national development
- Museums and monuments
- Interdisciplinary approaches to archaeological and heritage studies
- Digital technologies in archaeology and heritage studies
- Cultural tourism
- Ecotourism
- Africa’s heritage resources and the world heritage list
- Sustainable heritage management
- Indigenous conservation practices
- Archaeology and heritage education
- New approaches to archaeology and heritage practices
The deadline for the submission of a 250-word Abstract: July 31, 2019
Notification of Acceptance of Abstracts: August 15, 2019
Keynote Speaker: Prof. Derefaka, Department of History, University of Port Harcourt. Titled: “Tangible, Intangible, and Underwater Cultural Heritage Management in Nigeria”.
Conference Information:
Participants are expected to seek funds for travel, cost of registration and conference participation from their home institutions.
Inquiries as well as a 250-word abstract should be addressed to:
Email:
Or you can contact any member of the organising committee listed below:
Prof A.M. Ibeanu (LOC Chairman) +2348065195368
Dr K.C. Daraojimba (LOC Secretary) +2348082403981