2027 Southwest Symposium
Continuities and Transformations
El Paso, Texas – February 18-20, 2027
Hosts: Maren Hopkins, Myles Miller, & Matthew Pailes
Southwest archaeologists often focus on moments of disruption and change, which are sometimes perceived as necessary reformations that brought social or ecological realities into agreement with emerging circumstances. Prior applications have tended to emphasize rupture while downplaying the continuities that scaffolded trajectories at longer temporal scales. Contrasting moments of change, manifested through the elimination of past practices with periods of stasis, when such practices were preserved or modified, presents a broader perspective on long-term social and adaptive trends. This year’s theme seeks a nuanced understanding by exploring transformation as a strategy to facilitate continuities at these larger temporal and geographic scales. While not denying the occurrence of punctuated episodes or hinge points, sessions of the 2027 Southwest Symposium will explore the potential of social and ecological tumult to facilitate or encourage the conservation of practices and beliefs over time and space. Identifying these responses spans significant topical breadth including migration, technological development, the emergence of new belief systems/rituals, and experimentation with novel political formulations.
Program at a Glance
Coming in October 2026!
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