Research interests
Current research falls into two main areas. The first explores the relationship between creativity, craft and material culture, particularly in the European Bronze Age. The second involves developing novel, evidence-based roles for archaeology that benefit contemporary society. In addition to these concerns, I have a longstanding interest in the archaeology of the body and social identity linked to the development of archaeological theory and practice.
Creativity and material culture in the European Bronze Age
The Bronze Age was a period that saw the development of crafts that we take for granted today, as well as elaborately decorated objects with developments such as colour, pattern and texture in a range of materials using new and established technologies. I look at attitudes to technology and innovation, and study the connection between shifts in social structure, social identities, the introduction of new technologies and changes in artefact form through research into ceramics, as well as other materials and objects. I also explore relationships between different crafts. My work concentrates primarily on material from Central Europe and the Balkans although I have also worked on material from Britain and Atlantic Europe. I collaborate widely with colleagues in a number of European universities, museums, institutes and academies of science. Current collaborations include colleagues in Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Serbia, and Romania, as well as in the UK.
I co-direct the major international excavation project at the Bronze Age tell settlement at Százhalombatta, Hungary. I have worked at the site since 2000 and co-ordinate the study of the rich and complex ceramic assemblage. Every year I lead a team of students from the University of Southampton to excavate at the site.
Archaeology for Social Benefit
I am interested in developing novel, evidence-based applications of archaeology that are grounded in research. I am PI of Places of Joy: Heritage After Lockdown, a collaboration between researchers at University of Southampton, University of Cambridge and University of Surrey, supported by Historic England and The Heritage Alliance. The project investigates whether and why heritage appears as a joyful space at a time of national crisis, and thus to understand the specific characteristics of heritage sites that contribute to wellbeing and resilience.
I explore the ways that the past can act as inspiration for contemporary creative practice in a wider range of creative industries and the experience economy, including the Culture Europe project Journey to the Beginnings. I have an excellent track-record of working with artists in practice-based research and previously worked with the Crafts Council and contemporary designers / makers to research the link between ancient and modern creativity through engagements with Bronze Age objects. I also worked with students and staff from 5 Higher Education institutions in England running contemporary craft courses, which resulted in the CinBA Live Project Exhibition. I apply my research-based expertise and experience in archaeology-industry collaborations in my role as Director of Archaeology for the Creative Industries, delivering expert archaeological advice and solutions to the creative industries.
I have a strong commitment to Knowledge Exchange and Impact. I am Humanities in the European Research Area (HERA) Knowledge Exchange and Impact Fellow (2017-2021), working with HERA-funded projects, 24 European Research Councils, and engaging in advocacy for the Humanities at the highest levels across the continent.
Archaeologies of the Body and Social Identity
I am interested in exploring the relationship between society, culture, and biology through the human body, including the study of social identities such as age and gender. I am also interested in the philosophy and practice of bioarchaeology. Research has included collaborations with colleagues at the University of Leiden (Netherlands), The Francisc Ranier Institute of Anthropology, Bucharest (Romania), English Heritage (UK), and Department of Anatomy, University of Southampton.
Research group
Southampton Ceramics Research Group
Affiliate research groups
Osteoarchaeology, Representation, Visualisation and Politics of Archaeology, Prehistoric Landscapes, Monuments and Materialities
Research project(s)
The Százhalombatta Archaeological Excavation (SAX) project is an international co-operation led by Dr Magdolna Vicze, (Director of the Matrica Museum, Százhalombatta), together with Dr Marie Louise Stig Sørensen (University of Cambridge) and Dr Joanna Sofaer (University of Southampton). Excavation is focusing on domestic contexts, revealing a detailed picture of life at the site.
Creativity and craft production in Middle and Late Bronze Age Europe (CinBA) brings together partners from the Universities of Southampton, Cambridge and Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the National Museum of Denmark, the Natural History Museum of Vienna, Zagreb Archaeological Museum, Lejre Archaeological Park (Sagnlandet) and the Crafts Council.
PARNASSUS is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the University of Southampton, UCL and the University of Bristol that is investigating the adverse environmental effects and adaptation measures needed for the protection of cultural heritage from climate change impact.
Professor Joanna SofaerFaculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Southampton
Avenue Campus, Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BF
United Kingdom
Room Number : 65/2231
