Claire Smith (archaeologist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Claire Smith
|
|
|---|---|
Claire Smith (centre) with Joan Gero and H. Martin Wobst at WAC-5, Washington D.C., 2005
|
|
| Born | 15 July 1957 |
| Education |
|
| Occupation | Archaeologist |
| Employer | Flinders University |
| Organization | World Archaeological Congress, President from 2003-2008 & 2008-2014 |
Claire Smith (born 15 July 1957) is an Australian archaeologist. An archaeologist is like a detective who studies the past by digging up old objects and places. Claire Smith is special because she focuses on Indigenous archaeology, which means she works closely with Indigenous communities to understand their history and culture. She also studies symbolic communication (how people use symbols to share ideas) and rock art (ancient drawings on rocks).
Claire Smith used to be a leader at Flinders University in Australia. She was also the president of the World Archaeological Congress for many years, from 2003 to 2014. This is a big group of archaeologists from all over the world. She even helped create a huge book called the Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology.
Contents
Education and Early Career
Claire Smith studied archaeology at the University of New England. She earned her first degree in 1990 and then a higher degree, called a PhD, in 1996. For her PhD, she studied Australian Aboriginal art using a method called ethnoarchaeology. This means she looked at how people live today to understand how ancient people might have lived and created art.
She also wrote a book called "Decolonizing Indigenous Archaeology." This book is about making sure that Indigenous people have a strong voice in how their own history and culture are studied. After her studies, she received special research grants to continue her work.
Working with Communities
Claire Smith has spent a lot of time working with the Aboriginal community of Barunga in Australia. She did this research with her husband, Gary Jackson. She has helped Aboriginal students learn about archaeology by bringing them to study in Adelaide and setting up special field schools. These schools teach students how to dig and study ancient sites.
She has played a big part in developing Indigenous archaeology not just in Australia, but around the world. This field helps ensure that archaeological research respects and benefits Indigenous communities.
Leading the World Archaeological Congress
When Claire Smith was the president of the World Archaeological Congress, she helped create a scholarly journal called Archaeologies. A journal is like a magazine where experts share their research. She also started programs like "Archaeologists without Borders" and the "Global Libraries Project." These programs help share archaeological knowledge and support archaeologists in different parts of the world.
Her main goal has always been to improve the relationship between archaeologists and Indigenous communities. She believes it's important for archaeologists to work with communities, not just study them.
Teaching and Public Awareness
Claire Smith has written books to help people learn about archaeology. Some of her books include Archaeology to Delight and Instruct and Digging It Up Down Under. She also wrote a textbook for students learning how to do archaeological field work. This book has been used in Australia and America.
She cares a lot about sharing information about heritage and community archaeology with everyone. She has written many articles for an Australian news website called The Conversation. These articles often talk about the challenges faced by Aboriginal peoples in Australia and how archaeology can help.
Claire Smith is also an advisor for a well-known archaeology journal called Antiquity.
Awards and Recognition
Claire Smith has received many important awards for her work. In 2018, she received the Lucy Mair Medal and the Marsh Award from the Royal Anthropological Institute. She also received a special medal from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in 2018. In 2016, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Archaeological Congress.
She was also chosen as a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 2010 and the Australian Academy of the Humanities in 2019. Being a fellow means she is recognized as a leading expert in her field. In 2025, she was given a special honor called Officer of the Order of Australia.
See also
- Heather Burke
- World Archaeological Congress
- Indigenous Archaeology
