Dr Anke Hein
Research Interests
Culture contact; identity formation; (ceramic) technology; petrography/petrology; ethnoarchaeology; spatial analysis
Geographic Areas
The archaeology and material culture of prehistoric and early-historic East and Central Asia, focusing on the Chinese border regions, especially Western China
Current research activities
PI: "More than a Transit Corridor – Local Developments and Far-Reaching Contacts in the Middle Bronze Age Gansu Corridor" (long-term project based on survey work, ceramic analysis (physical and chemical analyses, micromorphology, typology)
PI: "Excavating Prehistoric China in Present-Day Sweden: Unlocking Forgotten Treasures in the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities (MFEA), Stockholm"
Team Member: Tao River Archaeology Project (TRAP); Project Director: Prof. Rowan Flad, Harvard University (add link: http://harvardmagazine.com/2017/07/harvard-summer-archaeology-ancient-china)
Co-PI: "Survey and Excavation Project on Early Settlements and Subsistence Systems in Northwest Sichuan", in Collaboration with the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Archaeology, Sichuan University, and the University of Washington State (add link: https://jadeguedes.com/overview/high-altitude-archaeology-in-the-jiuzhaigou-national-park/), funded by the NSF (add link: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1632207)
Member of PastNet: Past Networks in Space and Time, Research Network, University of Oxford (insert link: https://connectedpast.net/)
Affiliate of the University of Oxford China Centre
Recent research activities
2015-2018 PI: “Homogeneity in form, diversity in technique or vice versa? – Ceramic traditions in Neolithic and Bronze Age Northern China”, Fell-Funded (EBD00020Ö) Project in Stockholm and China
2013-2017 PI: "Ethnoarchaeological Field Project on Ceramic Production in the Wei River Valley", in Collaboration with Dr Ye Wa (UCLA)
2013-2014 PI: "Ethnoarchaeological Field Project on Ethnic Identity and Yi-Han Relations in Zhaojue, Sichuan", in Collaboration with Sichuan University
Seminar Series
Convenor for the OCAAAC Asian Archaology seminar series
Undergraduate teaching
Lecturer for core papers:
- Honour Moderations - Introduction to World Archaeology
- FHS - Urbanisation and Change in Complex Societies
Convenor for FHS option paper:
- FHS - From the First Ceramics to the Terracotta Soldiers: archaeology of Early China
Convenor for object-handling sessions:
- Chinese Bronzes, Jades, and Ceramics in the Ashmolean Museum
Postgraduate teaching
Postgraduate taught course options in:
- Archaeology of Eurasia
- Chinese Archaeology
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Chinese Ceramics
Applicants interested in postgraduate study of early China/East Asia are encouraged to contact Dr Anke Hein directly (anke.hein@arch.ox.ac.uk).
Oxford Centre for Asian Archaeology, Art and Culture
The Oxford Centre of Asian Archaeology, Art and Culture (OCAAAC) is an organization that fosters academic exchange, innovative research and specialized training in the fields of archaeology, art history and cultural heritage in continental Asia. The Centre is housed within the University of Oxford’s School of Archaeology (Oxford, UK) and the broad spectrum of expertise provided by its members and affiliates, enables it to offer a unique and expanding programme of primary research and teaching.
Its growing profile now attracts visiting researchers and students from all over the world who contribute significantly to the academic vitality of both the Centre and the School of Archaeology as a whole. The Centre actively campaigns for preservation of heritage sites, presents innovative public outreach events, and hosts a regular series of scholarly seminars under the banner of the OCAAAC Asian Archaology Seminar Series. Further information about upcoming talks and activities can be found on our website.
The Centre, established over ten years ago by Professor Dame Jessica Rawson and Professor Chris Gosden, has received substantial financial support from the University of Oxford as well as from a number of private donors in Taiwan, Japan and Mainland China. We are currently seeking support for student scholarships and a new Assistant Professorship in Siberian Archaeology. If you would be interested in becoming a donor, please contact asia@arch.ox.ac.uk.
Core Team: