The Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) is an
archaeological
Archaeology or archeology is the scientific study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of artifacts, architecture, biofacts or ecofacts, sites, and cultural landscap ...
organisation in
Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
. Membership is open to anyone interested in furthering archaeology in Australia.
Sometimes referred to by the nickname ''Triple A'', the association was founded in 1973 at a meeting held during the
(ANZAAS) Congress in
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia. It is the fourth most populous city in Australia and Oceania, with a population of 2.1 million (80% of the state) living in Greater Perth in 2020. Perth is ...
, following earlier discussions during the 1972
Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), established as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies (AIAS) in 1964, is an independent Australian Government statutory authority. It is a collecting, ...
General Meeting, and the ANZAAS Congress held in
Sydney
Sydney ( ) is the capital city of the state of New South Wales, and the most populous city in both Australia and Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Sydney Harbour and extends about towards the Blue Mountain ...
later that year.
The association's aim is to further archaeology in Australia with the stated purpose: ''...to promote the advancement of archaeology; to provide an organisation for the discussion and dissemination of archaeological information and ideas; to convene meetings at regular intervals; to publicise the need for the study and conservation of archaeological sites and collections; and, to publicise the work of the Association.''
Journal and annual conference
The association has published the journal ''
Australian Archaeology
Australian archaeology is a large sub-field in the discipline of archaeology. Archaeology in Australia takes four main forms: Aboriginal archaeology (the archaeology of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia before and after ...
'' since 1974. It was originally published as a newsletter for the association and gradually became a
peer-reviewed
Peer review is the evaluation of work by one or more people with similar competencies as the producers of the work (peers). It functions as a form of self-regulation by qualified members of a profession within the relevant field. Peer review ...
academic journal
An academic journal or scholarly journal is a periodical publication in which scholarship relating to a particular academic discipline is published. Academic journals serve as permanent and transparent forums for the presentation, scrutiny, and d ...
. It is currently published by
Taylor & Francis
Taylor & Francis Group is an international company originating in England that publishes books and academic journals. Its parts include Taylor & Francis, Routledge, F1000 (publisher), F1000 Research or Dovepress. It is a division of Informa ...
.
AAA hosts an annual conference for its members that rotates around Australian cities. During the annual conference four major awards are generally bestowed:
*Rhys Jones Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Australian Archaeology (established in 2002 in honour of
Rhys Jones)
*Life Membership for Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Archaeological Association
*Bruce Veitch Award for Excellence in Indigenous Engagement
*John Mulvaney Book Award (established in 2004 in honour of
John Mulvaney
Derek John Mulvaney (26 October 1925 – 21 September 2016), known as John Mulvaney and D. J. Mulvaney, was an Australian archaeologist. He was the first qualified archaeologist to focus his work on Australia.
Life
Mulvaney was born in Yar ...
)
National Archaeology Week
The AAA supports the "National Archaeology Week", which is an annual week long series of events that aims to increase public awareness of Australian archaeology and the work of Australian archaeologists both at home and abroad, and to promote the importance of protecting Australia's unique archaeological heritage. Beginning on the third Sunday in May every year, the program of events and activities includes public lectures, seminars, exhibits, demonstration excavations and displays.
Notable members
Past and present notable members include:
References
External links
*
{{authority control
Archaeology of Australia
Learned societies of Australia
Organizations established in 1973
Archaeological organizations
1973 establishments in Australia