Materialising Ireland: Archaeology, identity and modernity in Ireland

(2006 - Trinity College, University of Dublin)

External examiner: Prof. Michael Shanks, Stanford University

Internal examiner: Dr Michael Ryan, Director, Chester Beatty Library

This thesis explored the role of archaeology in the development of modern conceptions of the past in Ireland. The approach contextualised archaeological studies in Ireland within broader psychoanalytic, anthropological and philosophical theories of the 20th century. To help situate archaeological research in modern society, it explored archaeology as a psychoanalytic phenomenon which provides narratives and objects for group cohesion. It explored the foundations of the concept of a singular place known as Ireland and a singular people who are Irish and the perpetuation of this concept in modern archaeological expression. In particular, it explores 19th century antiquarianism and romantic studies of the past and the continuation of this romance through the representation of Ireland, its landscape and Irish objects in the heritage and tourism industries. Then it examined the appropriation of these romantic representations of archaeology in Ireland in modern and contemporary political discourse. A case study was made of the Hill of Tara as a spatial setting of group identity in Ireland which explored the concepts and ideas developed. As a conclusion, the role of archaeological and historical rhetoric in political and cultural expression in Ireland was discussed and contextualised within 20th century European traditions. This illustrated the entrenchment of the representation of archaeology within modern modes of thought in Ireland, the neutralisation of heritage space in this discourse and the opportunities that are present for undertaking reflexive and participatory expressions of the archaeological narrative in Ireland.

For further information on this research, please email Ian (ian(at)iarchitectures.com).

 

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