Theoretical Archaeology Group (TAG)

Brief Definition of the Topic

A conference that is known as much for its social life as its cutting-edge theory, the Theoretical Archaeology Group (TAG), is a successful and idiosyncratic institution in the prime of life. The organization has a distinctive and somewhat anarchic ethos, consisting of an annual conference that meets once a year, with no membership requirements or dues. The meeting moves from one university to another annually (the Republic of Ireland is included) and is organized by volunteers from the host institution. Efforts are made to keep costs down for each meeting and to provide cheap or free accommodation for students, so that the conference is affordable and available to all. Each conference is run entirely by the sponsoring institution, so that each one differs according to the priorities and interests of the department that hosts it. Representatives of institutions that have previously hosted TAG gather for an informal committee meeting at the annual...