An Archaeological Life: papers in honour of Jay Hall

Abstract

In 2007 Associate Professor Jay Hall retires from the University of Queensland after more than 30 years of service to the Australian archaeological community.

Jay's arrival in Australia in June 1976 to begin the archaeology programme in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Queensland marked two important events in the history of archaeology in this country. Firstly it provided a local focus for archaeology north of the Tweed River, thus continuing to expand the discipline beyond the dominant Sydney-Canberra axis. Secondly Jay was an important addition to the tiny number of American-trained archaeologists practising in Australia at that time. Indeed, because of Jay's fundamental role in developing the archaeology teaching at UQ, that school became and has remained the most 'American' among Australian archaeology departments in its philosophy and methodology. This, and the four fi eld approach used in UQ, in turn produced several generations of scholars who continue to influence archaeological thinking in this country and beyond. Celebrated as a gifted teacher and a pioneer of Queensland archaeology, Jay leaves a rich legacy of scholarship and achievement across a wide range of archaeological endeavours.

This volume brings together past and present students, colleagues and friends to celebrate Jay's contributions, influences and interests.