HWS News
5 June 2024 • Faculty • Research Exploring Rock-Cut Architecture and Art in Ethiopia
A member of the HWS Anthropology Department, Brian Clark presented his work on the archaeology of post-Aksumite Ethiopia at Debre Berhan University.
As part of an interdisciplinary forum of archaeologists, historians, art historians and philologists, Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology Brian Clark presented a lecture titled “Beyond Paradise: The Landscape Historical Ecology of Gannata Maryam” as part of a lecture series coordinated by Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia, on May 31 via Zoom.
Clark’s guest lecture explored how historical changes in land-use over the past four centuries have affected archaeological site preservation and potential for future research. He notes, such information is important for conducting better archaeological research concerning the historical context of rock-hewn monuments like the 13th century royal church, Gannata Maryam, where Clark has worked.
His talk was part of the monthly series dedicated to new research on Medieval Studies in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Established in 2022 by the Department of History and Heritage Management at Debre Berhan University, the series explores the region’s history from the 8th to 18th centuries.
At HWS, Clark teaches courses such as “Experimental Archaeology and Paleotechnology,” a hands-on lab course in historic recreation and experimentation with ancient technologies. He also teaches “Pre-Colonial Africa” and a course for the new Critical Museum Studies minor, “It belongs in a museum!” He joined HWS in 2019.
In his research, Clark is primarily interested in the study of complex civilizations in East Africa, with a particular focus on post-Aksumite Ethiopia. His research centers on examining the historical and archaeological aspects of the relationship between the church and the state, the concept of mobile capitals, and the various urban structures present throughout Africa.
For several years, Clark served as co-treasurer of the Society of Africanist Archaeologists. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from Rice University and a B.A. from Pennsylvania State University.
Top: Brian Clark in front of the Beta Giorgis Church in Lalibela, Ethiopia.
