This survey aimed to gain greater understanding of the past and present of Wadi Bani Kharus (Oman) through its tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The book provides an eclectic overview of the wadi’s twenty-nine communities including ancient fortresses, water distribution systems, sundials, cemeteries, tombstones and period architecture.
This joint venture between ICOMOS, the advisory body to UNESCO on cultural sites, and the International Astronomical Union is the second volume in an ongoing exploration of themes and issues relating to astronomical heritage in particular and to science and technology heritage in general. It examines a number of key questions relating to astronomical heritage sites and their potential recognition as World Heritage, attempting to identify what might constitute "outstanding universal value" in relation to astronomy. "Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy--Volume 2" represents the culmination of several years' work to address some of the most challenging issues raised in the first ICOMOS-IAU Thematic Study, published in 2010. These include the recognition and preservation of the value of dark skies at both cultural and natural sites and landscapes; balancing archaeoastronomical considerations in the context of broader archaeological and cultural values; the potential for serial nominations; and management issues such as preserving the integrity of astronomical sightlines through the landscape.Its case studies are developed in greater depth than those in volume 1, and generally structured as segments of draft nomination dossiers. They include seven-stone antas (prehistoric dolmens) in Portugal and Spain, the thirteen towers of Chankillo in Peru, the astronomical timing of irrigation in Oman, Pic du Midi de Bigorre Observatory in France, Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and Aoraki-Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand. A case study on Stonehenge, already a World Heritage Site, focuses on preserving the integrity of the solstitial sightlines.As for the first ICOMOS-IAU Thematic Study, a international team of authors including historians, astronomers and heritage professionals is led by Professor Clive Ruggles for the IAU and Professor Michel Cotte for ICOMOS.
"The study presents fast disappearing information on the ethnography of agricultural communities in northern Oman and especially on the use of stars. It aims to identify the stars used and record the methods of stargazing in sufficient detail that the systems could be replicated if all local knowledge were lost. It also aims to raise awareness and improve the understanding of the significance of the traditional use of the stars in irrigated agriculture. This aspect of the cultural heritage of the region has not been written about previously in such detail. The main reason for the continued use of stars by a few communities, even though wristwatches are now widely available, is thought to be adherence to tradition both for its own sake and to avoid disputes over the sharing of water. It is considered unlikely that this ancient practice will survive more than 10 or 20 years unless the younger generation takes an interest in learning, and putting into practice, the traditions of their forefathers"--Publisher's web site.
Astronomy has made enormous progress over the past decades and engages public and media interest as never before. IAU Symposium 260, held at the start of the IAU-UNESCO International Year of Astronomy 2009, addresses questions relevant to the role of astronomy in the modern world and its links to culture and society. The current volume brings together a wide range of experts and practitioners to share plans and experiences and to discuss ways in which astronomy might contribute to education, development, culture and the arts. Topics covered include: the historical framework; the social impact of astronomy; astronomy, the media and society; astronomy and the arts; public understanding of astronomy; the activities of amateur astronomers; and astronomy in the information age. This book is of value to practising scientists with an interest in the wider cultural aspects of their research, scientific policy makers and the general public.
This remarkable study of the British East India Company offers great insight into the formation of the Company, its impact on both England and India, and the social forces that shaped its development. With great detail and rich documentation, Ramkrishna Mukherjee examines a period of 258 years, beginning immediately before the Company's birth and ending with its collapse in 1858. This is an engrossing work that reveals much about what is no doubt one of the most important institutions in the history of British colonialism and of world capitalism generally.
Select proceedings of the 4th University of Chester Archaeology Student conference (Chester, 20 March 2019) investigate real-world ancient and modern frontier works, the significance of graffiti, material culture, monuments and wall-building, as well as fictional representations of borders and walls in the arts, as public archaeology.
This collection, stemming from the 2nd University of Chester Archaeology Student Conference 'Archaeo-Engage: Engaging Communities in Archaeology' (April 2017), provides original perspectives on public archaeology’s current practices and future potentials focusing on art/archaeological media, strategies and subjects.
