Being-in-the-field: Ethnographic Observations on Archaeological Fieldwork in Central Mongolia

This study introduces the concept of 'ethnography of archaeological fieldwork' within the context of Central Mongolia, focusing on the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. It reveals how archaeological knowledge production is not only a process rooted in the past but also deeply embedded in contemporary societal dynamics and pastoral landscapes. Through two fieldwork seasons (2023 and 2024), the research explores the daily life at an excavation site, the interplay between archaeological activities and existing infrastructures, and the reflexive perspective of the researcher as both insider and outsider. The findings underscore the potential for this approach to foster more ethical archaeological practices by integrating local contexts into the study of material culture.

Conte, C. (2026). Being-in-the-field: Ethnographic Observations on Archaeological Fieldwork in Central Mongolia. Mongolian Journal of Anthropology, Archaeology and Ethnology, 15(1), 28–39. https://doi.org/10.22353/mjaae.2026150103