On the Problem of Identity Reconstruction Based on Archaeological Sources: Statement of the Issue

Abstract

The article raises the topical issue of identity reconstruction on the basis of archaeological sources. The need to form a new interdisciplinary approach to this issue, considering modern achievements in both archaeology and social sciences, is emphasized. Despite the existence of individual studies in Ukrainian science, a comprehensive understanding of the identity of archaeological communities has not yet been carried out. The research focuses on ethnic, gender, and religious identities, as they can be partially reconstructed through the analysis of material culture. An overview of approaches to the study of identity in the world and national science is provided. The problems of interpreting archaeological culture as a representation of an ethnic group are revealed, and the risks of political manipulation of such identifications are emphasized. The difficulty of reconstructing identity based on material sources that may have variable meanings in different contexts is emphasized. Markers that can serve as a basis for identifying certain social groups, including signs of ethnicity, gender roles and religious practice, are analyses. The concept of gender as a social construct reflected in material culture - from burials to tools - is considered. Particular attention is paid to the need for critical rethinking. Religious identity is analyzed as a dynamic socio-cultural process reflected in ritual practices, spatial structures and symbolic objects. The article emphasizes the importance of avoiding simplistic interpretations and the need for a comprehensive, multi-perspective analysis. The author proposes a focus on critical self-reflection in archaeology and the involvement of methodologies from related disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and ethnology. This will contribute to a more complete understanding of the structure of ancient societies and the mechanisms of identity formation in the past.