Anders Lindahl

I am an archaeologist with a PhD in Medieval Archaeology, and a Professor in laboratory and experimental archaeology. Since 2014, I have been a Visiting Professor at the Ceramics Technology Laboratory, University of Pretoria, South Africa. https://www.up.ac.za/anthropology-archaeology/article/2933039/archaeology-ceramics-lab My research is mainly focused on ceramics, where I combine laboratory analysis and experimental archaeology with archaeological and ethnographic insights to trace changes in handicraft traditions and illuminate the complex interactions between central places and their surrounding communities across cultures and time periods. Key analyses in my work include petrographic microscopy, h-XRF chemical analysis, and thermal analysis of clay and ceramics. The laboratory analyses aim to establish choices of raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and vessel functions. Working with these data in combination with studies of vessel shapes and decorative elements, it is possible to shed light on questions concerning the distribution of prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval ceramic materials. 

The different methods of analysis I use are chosen and modified to this end. First, the basic data on macroscopical variables such as shape, ware, surface treatment, colour, etc. are documented and treated statistically. These results often answer the research questions but if not, the next level of analysis is employed, methods that yield rich results on ceramic craft and geological parameters, which can be interpreted from the viewpoints of both the producer and the consumer of the ceramic artefact. In the following level, the analyse is aimed at chemical-mineralogical descriptions of the raw materials to locate potential sources of the raw clay used in the manufacture of pots, crucibles, tuyérs, moulds, furnaces, etc. 

Since 1988, I have conducted extensive research in southern Africa, collaborating with local archaeologists. My work underscores the value of interdisciplinary approaches to enrich our understanding of past societies through their material culture. Beyond ceramics studies, I have conducted fieldwork at sites in Zimbabwe and on islands along the Swahili coast, Kilwa, Unguja and Pemba, exploring smaller settlements and examining domestic and specialised production activities, providing insights into the social dynamics and interactions within these communities. 

Presently I am supervising Honours, Masters and PhD students at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and University of Oslo, Norway. I am co-worker in the project ARCREATE, An archaeology of Creative Knowledge in turbulent times https://arcreateproject.com/