Author Talk: Archaeologies of Food in Australia

Twenty-first century Australia is a nation somewhat obsessed with food. From cookbooks to television screens, we are surrounded by conversations about what and how we eat. This fixation highlights the fact that food is, and always has been, a central component of human culture – especially in a diverse nation like Australia.

In recent years, this contemporary food focus has increasingly looked to the past for answers relating to health and sustainable practices. While historians in Australia have contributed extensively to these discussions, there has been surprisingly little input from archaeologists. This is even more surprising when we consider that so much of what archaeologists excavate – such as faunal remains, ceramics and cesspits – can collectively tell the story of food culture when drawn together and considered as a whole.

To open up this dialogue,Archaeologies of Food in Australiaaddresses the archaeology of food from deep time to the recent past. It showcases the many varied approaches to the study of food in Australia, from the archaeological sciences (such as zooarchaeology and archaeobotanical analysis) through to discussions of historic kitchens and cookery.

Archaeologies of Food in Australiaspans diverse cultural groups, including First Nations peoples, European migrants and Chinese diaspora communities, and examines evidence across millennia. Contributors demonstrate the breadth and richness of archaeological food research currently undertaken in Australia, and in doing so, they address critical questions about diet, cookery, dining and food culture.

About the Author

Dr Madeline Shanahan has fifteen years’ experience as a professional archaeologist and historian. After obtaining a PhD in Archaeology from University College Dublin and a First Class Honours degree in Historical Archaeology from the University of Sydney, Madeline went on to work as a heritage consultant in Dublin, Melbourne and Sydney. As a multidisciplinary practitioner, she has worked on a wide range of projects, but her primary area of expertise is Heritage Interpretation.

Madeline has been the key author and director of a range of important interpretation projects, taking them through from strategic planning stage to implementation. She also has extensive experience in Aboriginal history, cultural heritage and Native Title research, and is highly skilled in community consultation and cultural values assessment

Copies of the books will be available for purchase and be signed by the author.

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