2023 ASHA Seminar Series – Archaeology of Convict Settlements in New Caledonia  

In 2023, we are continuing on with our free online seminar series, this time focusing on current archaeological research in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

In conjunction with National Archaeology Week (NAW), the second stop on the (virtual) tour for 2023 will be on the Archaeology of Convict Settlements in New Caledonia, presented by Christophe Sand on Tuesday 23 May 2023. The seminar will start at 6pm AEST/ 7pm NCST/ 8pm NZST.

The seminar will run for 45 to 50 minutes, followed by a Q&A session. All bookings will be through Eventbrite. A Zoom link will be sent to your registered email address on confirmation of registration.  We look forward to seeing you – virtually!

Archaeology of Convict Settlements in New Caledonia  

Christophe Sand, Senior archaeologist of the New Caledonia Government; Research position at the French Research Institute for Development (IRD‐Noumea)

New Caledonia in Southern Melanesia has been a Convict Colony from 1864 until 1931. After a long period of disinterest for this historical sequence, a number of research projects have started on different aspects of this Pacific Convictism. Christophe has led a long‐term archaeological program on the topic over the past few decades, with the scope to highlight the potential contribution of archaeology to attain a better understanding of the complexity of the Convict Era in New Caledonia. The seminar will introduce the historical context and summarise the main studies undertaken, including the Central Depot of Ile Nou, on the penitentiary of Teremba or on convict buildings of Isle of Pines. The presentation will also discuss the types of material remains that have been unearthed, highlighting the massive import of French goods to New Caledonia during the second half of the 19th century.

Christophe Sand – Short Bio

Christophe Sand, senior archaeologist for the Government of New Caledonia, has headed archaeological research on the archipelago for 30 years. His interest has mainly focused on prehistory, traditional society, and the colonial history of the archipelago and West Pacific, with a strong focus on convict sites. He works on the mechanisms of appropriation of the past in processes to build contemporary identities and the development of traditional commons. In this context, he has studied the Pacific Islands as a collective structuring of space and joint organizations.

For more information on Christophe’s research, see: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Christophe-Sand-2

Eventbrite Link

Tickets are available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/asha-seminar-series-archaeology-of-convict-settlements-in-new-caledonia-tickets-631942977457