Winds of change

More about the book

Prof. Dr. Peter Breunig, head of the Department of African Archaeology and Archaeobotany at Goethe University in Frankfurt, celebrated his 65th birthday in April 2017. This Festschrift, dedicated by four of his former students, honors his scientific achievements in African prehistory and his ability to inspire students and staff in archaeology. The volume includes recognitions of his academic contributions and features four thematic sections with 33 scientific and personal contributions from archaeologists worldwide. The first section, “Early Companions,” presents papers from colleagues and friends from Breunig’s early archaeological career at the University of Cologne. The second and third sections, “West African Savanna” and “Nok and Neighbouring Regions,” highlight his significant research as a full professor at Goethe University, focusing on West Africa, particularly Nigeria. The final section, “Beyond West African Savanna – Wider Perspectives,” broadens the scope to include various geographical and thematic subjects. Contributions range from West and southern Africa to northern Germany and China, covering diverse archaeological topics such as archaeozoological and archaeobotanical analyses, settlement developments, pottery, burial customs, rock art, and cultural change. The volume also includes theoretical and methodological papers, as well as travel accounts, reflecting the wide array of subjects written in honor of Pe