Chief Corner Stones: Expressions of Choice and Resistance in the AME Zion Church

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Archaeology of Marginalization and Resilience in the Northeast", at the 2024 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

This paper investigates the historical significance of unity, resistance, and leadership within the early African Methodist Episcopal Church. By employing methodological frameworks that incorporate anthropological theory, Black and African-descendant feminisms, critical race theory, and ethnohistory, the study examines the diverse narratives and political dynamics embedded in the multitude of places and people that were within this network. The materiality of dress, in general, is symbolic; what someone wears is a nod to the items they can ascertain. Thus, sartorial practices will be considered to assess resistance, unity, and symbolism within the AME church system. The focus on dress materiality and adornment will be enhanced through literary examples that further highlight notions of agency and strategic positionality within racially charged environments. Ultimately, this study aims to holistically understand AME churches as sites of empowerment, placemaking, and envisioning an inclusive future.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2024   •
• Archaeology of Marginalization and Resilience in the Northeast

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow