International Conference

International Conference
The Archaeology and Anthropology of Body Modification
 28, 29 November, 2024

Venue

Musée de l’Homme, 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75116, Paris, France

Convenors

Franz Manni (National Museum Natural History, Paris) 
Francesco d’Errico (CNRS, Univ. of Bordeaux, France; Univ. of Bergen, Norway)

Rationale

Body modification has been a significant cultural practice in both past and present societies, serving as a powerful form of self-expression, identity, and social communication. Historically, various forms of body modification such as tattooing, body piercing, and scarification were used to signify social status, tribal affiliation, rites of passage, and spiritual beliefs. These modifications were deeply embedded in the cultural fabric and carried significant social and spiritual meanings, reinforcing communal bonds and individual identity within a human group. 

In contemporary societies, body modification continues to play a crucial role in personal and cultural expression, albeit in a more individualistic context. Tattoos, body piercings, and other practices have become mainstream, reflecting personal narratives, artistic expression, and even rebellion against societal norms. Body modification has found a place in the fashion and entertainment industries, influencing trends and challenging traditional beauty standards. In both historical and modern contexts, body modification serves as a testament to the enduring human desire to manipulate and adorn the body as a canvas for cultural expression, personal identity, and social communication.

We are delighted to announce an upcoming conference dedicated to the exploration of this topic. This unique event will serve as a premier platform for presenting cutting-edge research on a wide array of body modifications, including cranial modification, teeth filing, tattooing, scarification, body piercing, genital modification and more.

About the Conference

The conference will delve into the rich, yet insufficiently explored, archaeological, anthropological, ethnographic, and historical evidence, to offer a comprehensive understanding of both past and present body modification practices, including the contemporary West. This multidisciplinary approach aims to foster an engaging dialogue between academics and practitioners from diverse fields.

The conference is organized in conjunction with the publication of the ‘Oxford Handbook of the Anthropology and Archaeology of Body Modification’ (Oxford Univ. Press), edited by Franz Manni and Francesco d’Errico. Attendees wishing to present their research are encouraged to review the chapters from this handbook to gain deeper insights into the topics that will be addressed at the meeting. Access the handbook here: Oxford Handbook of The Anthropology and Archaeology of Body Modification.

English is the language of the conference. 

There will be no Internet diffusion.

Call for Abstracts

The call for abstracts is now closed, but there is room for poster presentations (Contact:  franz.manni@mnhn.fr)

Registrations

We have found some financing and the conference is now free of charge for all registered participants. Lunches and a cocktail reception will be offered to speakers and poster presenters. There are no coffee breaks but ample opportunities for networking and informal discussions. Please note that the conference lasts one day less than initially announced (28^th  and 29^th November but not the 30^th.

To register simply send an Email to Franz Manni AND Francesco d’Errico with your name and affiliation.  (franz.manni@mnhn.fr  francesco.derrico@u-bordeaux.fr)

We look forward to your participation in what promises to be an intellectually stimulating and socially enriching event. This conference will not only highlight the latest research in the field but also foster a vibrant community of scholars and practitioners passionate about the study of body modification practices. We are excited to welcome you in Paris!

Final Program