COSWA Corner
Mary Ann Levine and Rita Wright
In
this column, we inform our readers of an increasing number of available resources
related to equity issues for women in archaeology as well as archaeological
interpretations of gender. We specifically feature two fast-growing and invaluable
sources of information: video and web-based resources. Although the compilations
that follow are not meant to be exhaustive, they are fairly comprehensive.
For example, please note that for the Internet resources listed, most links
from gender search sites are not included as these are easily reached through
the search site itself. We thank Christine K. Kimbrough (NYU) for her assistance
in assembling the list of Web-based resources. We also would like to take
this opportunity to report that we have developed our very own COSWA web site
and plan to unveil it very shortly!
Video Resources
The Chilly Climate (1991, 28 minutes) exposes through interviews the subtle discriminatory practices which create a climate "chilly to the point of toxicity" for women employed in Canadian colleges and universities. Interviews reveal the cumulative effects of behaviors ranging from exclusion and isolation to harassment and violence which negatively affect the workplace and attempt to prohibit women from achieving their full academic potential. This video also explores strategies for improving the climate and promoting feminist research. The video comes with a facilitator's manual, "Warming the Environment," which includes exercises to provoke discussion, solutions to difficulties facilitators may experience, and pertinent statistics. For information on how to rent or purchase this video-based educational package, call the Department of Equity Services at the University of Western Ontario at (519) 661-3334.
Secrets Underground: Archaeologist Patty Jo Watson (1995, 60 minutes) is part of a six-hour public television series, "Discovering Women," which profiled internationally recognized women in scientific fields. The series sought to encourage young women to consider a career in science by demystifying the nature of scientific work and illustrating the process of becoming a scientist. This episode provides a historical overview of Watson's life and highlights her many significant contributions to the field, including her work on gender roles and the origins of agriculture.
Siberian Ice Maiden (1998, 60 minutes) is part of
the three-part PBS series, "Ice Mummies." This video documents the
discovery of the mummified remains of a woman who lived some 2,400 years ago
in the Pazyryk Culture of the high steppes of Siberia. Her tattooed remains,
which were found in association with six decorated horses and a symbolic meal
for her last journey, are utilized to discuss the role and power of women
among the nomadic tribes of ancient Siberia.
Web-Based Resources
Search Sites: (use "gender" as search term)
Link Lists:
Bibliographies:
|
Organizations:
Additional Sites:
Mary Ann Levine, a member of COSWA, is assistant professor of anthropology at Franklin and Marshall College, Pennsylvania. Rita Wright, chair of COSWA, is associate professor of anthropology at New York University. |
