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![[Photo of Krish Seetah]](ks354.jpg "Krish Seetah")
Krish Seetah
Research Associate
Office: 2.5, West Building
Phone: +44 (0) 1223 765817
Fax: +44 (0) 1223 339285
Email: ks354@cam.ac.uk
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Current Research Interests
My research focuses on three main themes: scientific methods in archaeology, colonial activity within European contexts and wider European influences within the `global landscape'.
The first relates to the use of the Geometric Morphometrics (GMM) technique as a mechanism for identifying and distinguishing animal populations. My recent research has centred on the movement of Bronze Age populations in Eurasia and addresses how technologies and ideas, and ultimately people, are trans-located. I have developed a protocol employing GM with the aim of providing a scientifically rigorous method for identifying ancient animal (horse) groupings. This evidence will be corroborated with aDNA research. My previous research has emphasised the value of experimental replication providing a systematic approach to the recording and interpretation of human mediated butchery.
The second theme addresses issues of technology, trade and socio-economic attitudes within a number of colonial contexts in Europe. Methodologically, this theme has depended on data from faunal samples and my own experimental research. The key aim is to improve our understanding of the varying processes of colonialism and how this can be addressed through bio-archaeology and material culture. I have researched these questions within Romano-British and medieval contexts in Britain and medieval Italy.
My third research area addresses the `European' influences on `Global' landscape change and is positioned within the dynamic of Imperialism and colonial activity. I address environmental changes as a consequence of land and resource exploitation. This theme centres on the movement of peoples, ideas and material cultures, but specifically within the contexts of slavery and Diaspora. My work has focused on key sites in Mauritius and endeavours to use material artefacts in combination with systematic excavation and environmental sampling. The underlying aims are to better understand the transition from slavery to indentured labour following abolition, the extent and diversity of trade in the region and the environmental consequences of intense, monoculture, agriculture.
To a greater or lesser extent, each of these areas relies on a theoretical framework that explores the human-animal paradigm. This approach explores the intrinsic and dynamic interactions between humans and animals that occur within both economic and cultural spheres. I have also relied heavily on the use of modern analogy to drive the experimental aspects of my research and I am keen to explore issues of knowledge acquisition and dissemination within the context of agency.
Current Research Projects
Discriminating between Eurasian Horse Populations: A Morphometric Approach
The Expansion of the Venetian
Republic in the Adriatic
Environmental Imperialism:
Colonial Activity in Mauritius
Completed Research Projects
2005-08: Yorkshire, UK. Dir: M Millett.
Study of an Iron Age and Roman Settlement in the Yorkshire Wolds.
Aim: study the transition in land-use and animal exploitation during the Iron Age to Roman transition.
Outcomes: three reports submitted detailing shifts in faunal exploitation.
2006: Isle Santiago, Cape Verde. Dir: C Evans.
Archaeological exploration of the Jesuit seminar at the early slave transhipment centre.
Aim: investigate environmental and dietary influence of Portuguese colonial activity.
Outcomes: report submitted and contribution made to Evans & Sørenson, 2007.
2005: Charsada, Pakistan. Dir: C Petrie.
Investigating ancient Pushkalavati.
Aim: establishing sequence of occupation / patterns of animal exploitation.
Outcome: report submitted detailing faunal recording and analysis.