The Anatomy of a Tell: The Spatio-Temporal Organization of the Early 'Town' at Çatalhöyük

by Dr. Ian Hodder, Stanford University

This lecture was given by Dr. Ian Hodder from Standford University at the 2002 Grace Elizabeth Shallit Memorial Lecture Series at Brigham Young University. In his lecture he focuses on how the structure of a tell, its spatio-temporal organization is the product of a social process. He analyzes vertical and spatial relationships embedded in the tell of Çatalhöyük in order to see how the anatomy of the tell can inform us about the nature of social relationships at this 9000 year old site (occupied from 7400 to 6200 cal BC). He argues that the anatomical structure is not a reflection of the changing social order – rather that it is a part of that order.

Archaeological Theory: The Big Picture

by Dr. Bruce Trigger, McGill University

The 2003 Grace Elizabeth Shallit Lecture at Brigham Young University was given by Dr. Bruce Trigger from McGill University. His lecture discusses how for two decades processual and postprocessual archaeologists have monopolized theoretical debate in anthropological archaeology. He explains that with the battle winding down, neither side has come close to winning and key issues remain unresolved while those involved try to ignore new theoretical approaches that challenge their monopoly of ideas. Trigger argues that concepts silently excluded by both positions now appear to be as important as those that each embraced and suggests an examination of alternatives.

From Chiefdom to Archaic State

by Dr. Patrick Kirch, University of California, Berkeley

Dr. Patrick Kirch from the University of California at Berkeley was the guest lecturer for the 2005 Grace Elizabeth Shallit lecture at Brigham Young University. In his presentation, Dr. Kirch explains that Hawaii's indigenous society has most often been classified as that of a complex chiefdom—perhaps the most complex chiefdom ever documented—but not as a state. Dr. Kirch questions this received anthropological view, and argues that Hawaiian history offers much scope for understanding the processes whereby chiefs became kings.