Journal of African Archaeology

Scope & Guideline

Unearthing Africa's Rich Heritage

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Journal of African Archaeology with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1612-1651
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryGermany
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2003 to 2024
AbbreviationJ AFR ARCHAEOL / J. Afr. Archaeol.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of African Archaeology aims to advance the understanding of the diverse archaeological heritage of Africa. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of various methodologies to explore the continent's past, focusing on cultural, social, and economic dynamics.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research:
    The journal encourages research that integrates archaeology with other disciplines such as anthropology, history, and environmental science, providing a holistic view of African cultures.
  2. Cultural Heritage and Identity:
    A core aim is to explore the links between archaeology and contemporary cultural identities, examining how past societies shape present-day communities.
  3. Technological Innovations in Archaeology:
    The journal focuses on the application of modern technologies and methodologies in archaeological research, including isotopic analysis, geophysical surveying, and advanced dating techniques.
  4. Regional Archaeology:
    Significant emphasis is placed on regional studies across Africa, highlighting the unique archaeological narratives of different areas, such as North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the islands.
  5. Socio-Economic Dynamics:
    Research often addresses the socio-economic aspects of ancient societies, including trade, resource management, and the impacts of climate change on cultural development.
The Journal of African Archaeology reflects evolving research interests, with certain themes gaining traction in recent years.
  1. Population Dynamics and Mobility:
    Recent publications emphasize the investigation of population movements and dynamics through innovative methodologies like isotopic analysis, shedding light on migration patterns in ancient communities.
  2. Textile Production and Use:
    There is a growing interest in textiles as cultural artifacts, exploring their roles in funerary practices and daily life, which highlights the complexity of social identities.
  3. Climate Change and Resilience:
    Research addressing the impacts of climate change on ancient societies is increasingly common, focusing on how communities adapted to environmental shifts.
  4. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Archaeology:
    Emerging themes reflect a strong trend towards interdisciplinary research, combining archaeology with history, anthropology, and environmental sciences to provide comprehensive insights.
  5. Local Community Engagement in Archaeology:
    An increasing number of studies focus on the role of local communities in archaeological research, emphasizing participatory approaches and the importance of cultural heritage in contemporary society.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of African Archaeology has a broad scope, certain themes appear to be declining in frequency or prominence in recent publications.
  1. Traditional Historical Narratives:
    There seems to be a waning interest in traditional historical narratives that focus solely on elite histories or monumental architecture, as newer research emphasizes everyday life and community practices.
  2. Isolated Archaeological Studies:
    Research that focuses on isolated archaeological sites without broader contextual analysis is becoming less common, with a shift towards studies that integrate findings within wider regional or thematic frameworks.
  3. Colonial Archaeology:
    Topics centered solely on colonial impacts without connecting to indigenous perspectives are less frequently addressed, reflecting a growing emphasis on post-colonial narratives and local agency.
  4. Static Cultural Representations:
    The portrayal of African cultures as static or unchanging is declining, with more studies highlighting dynamic interactions and cultural exchanges over time.
  5. Focus on Material Culture Alone:
    There is a noticeable decrease in studies that focus exclusively on material culture without considering the social and historical contexts, as interdisciplinary approaches gain prominence.

Similar Journals

Annales Instituti Archaeologici

Exploring the Depths of History, One Study at a Time
Publisher: INST ARHEOLOGIJUISSN: 1845-4046Frequency: 1 issue/year

Annales Instituti Archaeologici is a distinguished journal published by INST ARHEOLOGIJU, dedicated to advancing research in the field of archaeology. With an ISSN of 1845-4046 and an E-ISSN of 1848-6363, this journal serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of innovative archaeological studies and findings, reflecting the evolving trends and methodologies in this fascinating discipline. Based in Croatia, the journal captures a global audience, emphasized by its Q3 ranking in both Archaeology categories as per the latest 2023 metrics, indicating a solid presence in the academic landscape. Although it does not currently offer Open Access options, its impactful contributions are recognized through its Scopus ranks, where it stands at #137/413 in Archaeology related to Arts and Humanities and #135/354 in Social Sciences. Researchers, professionals, and students interested in the latest archaeological research and its applications will find Annales Instituti Archaeologici to be an invaluable resource, promoting knowledge and fostering scholarly communication within the archaeological community.

AUSTRALIAN ARCHAEOLOGY

Exploring the Depths of Australia’s Past.
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0312-2417Frequency: 3 issues/year

AUSTRAILIAN ARCHAEOLOGY, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading academic journal dedicated to the field of archaeology. With a strong reputation as evidenced by its Q1 ranking in both the Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences categories, this journal fosters the growth and dissemination of pioneering research from diverse archaeological contexts. The journal has been a vital resource for scholars and practitioners since its convergence in 2002, supporting the collective advancement of knowledge in the archaeological discipline. By offering a platform for rigorous analysis and critical discussions, AUSTRAILIAN ARCHAEOLOGY appeals to a wide audience, from established researchers to students beginning their journey in archaeology. Although it is not an Open Access journal, the insights provided are invaluable for enhancing understanding and appreciation of Australia’s rich archaeological heritage. With a Scopus ranking that places it among the top contenders in its field, this journal continues to contribute significantly to outstanding archaeological scholarship and professional practice.

California Archaeology

Advancing Knowledge Through California's Archaeological Lens
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1947-461XFrequency: 2 issues/year

California Archaeology is a premier academic journal dedicated to the multifaceted study of archaeology within the context of California's rich historical and cultural landscape. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this journal conveys cutting-edge research from 2009 to 2024 and is recognized for its impact in the field, with a commendable Q2 ranking in both archaeology and arts and humanities as of 2023. Scholars and practitioners are encouraged to disseminate their findings and insights through this journal, contributing to a deeper understanding of archaeological practices and interpretations in California. With access options designed to enhance the visibility of research, California Archaeology serves as an essential resource for professionals, students, and researchers devoted to advancing knowledge in archaeology, making it a cornerstone of academic discourse in the discipline.

Britannia

Exploring Ancient Legacies Through Scholarly Insight
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0068-113XFrequency: 1 issue/year

Brittannia is a prestigious journal published by Cambridge University Press that serves as a cornerstone for scholars and enthusiasts in the fields of Archaeology, Classics, and History. With its ISSN of 0068-113X and E-ISSN of 1753-5352, the journal has been committed to disseminating high-quality research and innovative studies since its inception in 1970, addressing vital topics that span cultural, historical, and archaeological dimensions. As a hallmark of academic rigor, it maintains a Q1 ranking in Classics and History and a Q2 ranking in Archaeology (both Arts and Humanities, 2023), reflecting its impact and significance in these disciplines. Although not an Open Access journal, it provides invaluable content for researchers, professionals, and students alike, ensuring that vital insights into ancient civilizations and cultural heritage resonate well beyond the pages of each issue. With upcoming publications scheduled through 2024, Brittannia continues to be an essential resource for anyone invested in the legacies of the past.

Azania-Archaeological Research in Africa

Decoding the Mysteries of Africa's Ancient Civilizations.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0067-270XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Azania-Archaeological Research in Africa, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a premier academic resource in the field of archaeology, specifically focusing on African archaeological research. With a remarkable tradition dating back to 1966, the journal spans over half a century of rigorous scholarship, aiming to enrich our understanding of Africa's diverse cultural and historical narratives. Currently indexed in the prestigious Q1 category for both Archaeology and Arts and Humanities, it ranks impressively in the Scopus database, placing within the top 12% of journals in its field. This commitment to excellence facilitates the dissemination of innovative and insightful research, catering to a broad audience of researchers, professionals, and students alike. While the journal is not open access, its impactful contributions continue to shape contemporary archaeological discourse, making it an essential resource for anyone passionate about the study of Africa's archaeological heritage.

Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology

Advancing Knowledge in Ancient History and Archaeology
Publisher: MEGA PUBLISHING HOUSEISSN: 2360-266XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology is a premier, open-access academic journal published by MEGA PUBLISHING HOUSE since 2014, dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of ancient civilizations and archaeological discoveries. With ISSN 2360-266X, this journal has made significant strides in the field, achieving elevated rankings across multiple categories, including Q1 in Classics and Q2 in History as of 2023. Positioned in Romania, the journal serves an international audience of researchers, professionals, and students who seek to disseminate and access influential scholarship in ancient history and archaeology. As a prominent resource within the Scopus rankings, it reflects a robust commitment to advancing knowledge through quality research, making it a vital platform for the sharing and discussion of innovative ideas and methodologies. The journal covers a wide array of topics related to ancient societies, enhancing our understanding of their cultural, historical, and archaeological significance.

Yorkshire Archaeological Journal

Bridging Past and Present: Yorkshire's Archaeological Journal
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0084-4276Frequency: 1 issue/year

Yorkshire Archaeological Journal, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a pivotal resource in the field of archaeology, particularly focused on the rich heritage and archaeological research within the Yorkshire region of the United Kingdom. With a dedicated ISSN of 0084-4276 and an E-ISSN of 2045-0664, this journal provides both researchers and practitioners valuable insights into archaeological discoveries, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks. While it holds a Q3 ranking in both Archaeology (Arts and Humanities) and Archaeology (Social Sciences), its contributions remain significant for advancing discussions and knowledge within the discipline. The journal's archival depth, converging from as early as 1980 and continuing robustly into 2024, showcases a commitment to fostering academic discourse and exploration of archaeological heritage. Although it does not currently offer open access, its rigorous peer-reviewed articles make it an essential reference for academics, professionals, and students alike who are eager to deepen their understanding of archaeology and its applications.

Cuadernos de Prehistoria y Arqueologia-Universidad Autonoma de Madrid

Exploring the Depths of Human History
Publisher: UNIV AUTONOMA MADRID, DEPT PRESHITORIA & ARQUEOLOGIAISSN: 0211-1608Frequency: 1 issue/year

Cuadernos de Prehistoria y Arqueologia-Universidad Autonoma de Madrid is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the fields of archaeology and prehistory, published by the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Departamento de Prehistoria y Arqueología. With an ISSN of 0211-1608, this journal plays a crucial role in disseminating significant research findings and theoretical advancements within these domains. Recognized for its scholarly excellence, it holds impressive quartile rankings in 2023, including Q2 in Archaeology and Q1 in History, reflecting its high impact within the academic community. While currently not an open-access publication, Cuadernos de Prehistoria y Arqueologia provides valuable insights to researchers, professionals, and students engaged in the exploration of human history and cultural heritage from 2018 to 2024 and beyond. With a commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, this journal serves as an essential platform for innovative studies and comprehensive reviews, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in archaeology and prehistory.

Stratum Plus

Illuminating Interdisciplinary Insights in the Humanities
Publisher: HIGH ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCH UNIVISSN: 1608-9057Frequency: 6 issues/year

Stratum Plus, published by HIGH ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCH UNIV, is a distinguished academic journal based in Moldova that focuses on the fields of Anthropology, Archeology, and History. With an impressive impact factor reflecting its stature—ranked in the Q2 category for both Anthropology and Archeology, and Q1 for Archeology in the arts and humanities—this journal is a vital resource for scholars, professionals, and students alike. The journal's comprehensive scope encompasses a wide array of interdisciplinary studies, making it a beacon for innovative research and critical discourse within these disciplines. Since its inception in 2014, Stratum Plus has strived to foster academic excellence and knowledge dissemination, thus playing a crucial role in shaping contemporary anthropological and archaeological thought. While currently not available as Open Access, the journal maintains a strong online presence, with access options available through institutional subscriptions. Located at ZIMBRULUI 10A ST, KISHINEV MD-2024, MOLDOVA, Stratum Plus invites contributors and readers to engage with cutting-edge research that continues to enrich the global academic community.

ANTIQUITY

Charting the Course of Cultural Evolution
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0003-598XFrequency: 6 issues/year

ANTIQUITY is a prestigious academic journal published by Cambridge University Press that has been at the forefront of archaeological and humanities scholarship since its inception in 1927. With its roots firmly planted in the United Kingdom, the journal has achieved remarkable recognition, maintaining a Q1 ranking in both the fields of Archaeology and Arts and Humanities as of 2023. With an impressive Scopus ranking of #3 out of 173 in General Arts and Humanities and #28 out of 354 in Archaeology, it underscores its significant impact and influence in shaping contemporary discourse in these domains. Although it is not an Open Access journal, ANTIQUITY provides crucial insights into the evolution of human societies through a comprehensive range of archaeological studies, reviews, and theoretical discussions. By facilitating knowledge exchange among researchers, professionals, and students, ANTIQUITY not only enriches academic literature but also fosters a deeper understanding of our past.