The Society

Founded in 1971, the Society of Africanist Archaeologists (SAfA) is an organization of archaeologists, researchers from associated disciplines and others who share an interest in African archaeology and African societies. Our membership is international, with participation from Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, and is actively involved in research in many African countries. SAfA is an affiliated organization of the Society for American Archaeology and the African Studies Association.

Publications

SAfA publishes a bulletin, Nyame Akuma, which appears twice a year and which contains short reports on research projects as they take place around the continent. As a benefit of SAfA membership, you can order the journals The African Archaeological Review and/or Journal of African Archaeology at a discount over regular subscription rates.

Membership

SAfA membership is essential for anyone with an interest in African archaeology, palaeoanthropology or history. Our membership dues structure is very reasonable, with special provisions for students and retired people and free membership for Africans residing in Africa.

See our Membership page for further information on how to become a member.

The Biennial Meetings

SAfA also holds biennial conferences devoted to African archaeology and related research topics. Since 1996, the meetings have alternated between Europe and North America, with two conferences held jointly with the Pan-African Association in Africa (2010 and 2014).

Read more about the upcoming Biennial Conference or browse previous conferences

SAfA Book Prize 

The SAfA Book Prize is open to books and monographs, including site reports, in all fields of African archaeology, including ethnoarchaeology and the African diaspora, from the beginnings of the archaeological record to the present. Single author, multi-author and edited works are all eligible. There is no restriction as to language.