John Giblin

Postdoc in Heritage Studies

About

• PhD Archaeology, “Re-Constructing the Past in Post-Genocide Rwanda: An Archaeological Contribution”, University College London, Institute of Archaeology
• MA African Archaeology, University College London, Institute of Archaeology
• BA (Hons) Archaeology, University College London, Institute of Archaeology
   

My background is in African archaeology and I have worked on and/or directed archaeological and anthropological projects in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana. I have also worked as an archaeologist for local government in the UK and have worked within commercial archaeology in southern England.

Areas of interest

My academic interests include:

• the pre-colonial and modern conflict archaeology of Great Lakes Africa
• the use and practice of heritage in post-conflict contexts
• post-conflict memorialization
• the social relevance of archaeology; the politics of archaeology
• post-colonialism and the decolonial challenge

Current research

My current research concerns heritage use and practice in post-conflict Rwanda and Uganda. The fieldwork element of my research involves three comparative case studies from Rwanda and Uganda including a strong focus on conflict heritage sites, such as mass grave memorials, alongside national museum sites, and the use of traditional activities, including dance.

Teaching and tutoring

I teach guest lectures for the archaeology program in the Humanities department.