Conflict in the Archaeology of Living Traditions

ISBN-13: 9780415095594 / Angielski / Miękka / 1994 / 274 str.

R. Layton; R. Layton

Opis

This study addresses some of the most controversial issues in the pursuit of archaeology and anthropology today: models and concepts of evolution; selectivity in what is rated worthwhile for purposes of academic research and study; and the profound disturbance of indigenous cultures by the exhumation and reburial of human skeletons for purposes of research. Recent events connected with the last of these issues, in the United States and Australia in particular, have called into question the relationship between archaeologists and contemporary cultures and peoples. This in turn has led some archaeologists to deny the existence of a continuous indigenous cultural tradition linking living people with the remains of the past, upon which frequently rest indigenous claims for control of such remains. Bringing together new insights from Western scientists and indigenous contributors, this book aims to provide a worldwide range of studies dealing with these problems. Most of the chapters are derived from pre-circulated papers presented at the World Archaeological Congress in 1986.

Recenzje

''I recommend this volume to everyone concerned with the archaeology of living traditions.'' - Man

''In Layton's Conflict volume we see the archaeologist's pursuit of her/his own `truth' in scientifically veritable interpretations of the archaeological record confronting other cultural `truths'.' - Antiquity

''Will be of immense interest to archaeologists, anthropologists, and all those concerned with indigenous peoples'' - Geographical Journal

''... the attempt to present diverse viewpoints in the context of archaeology and break away from old constructs makes the book an interesting and valuable contribution... The volume as a whole aims to develop a world approach, since minority and indegenous groups are to be found in most countries. The book concentrates on North America, South America and Australia with other articles covering Rwanda, Cameroon, Madagascar and Finland... Condori's moving article examines the relegation to prehistory of his extant people in Bolivia, the theft of encroachment, and their views of time, history and material culture... new and interesting ideas... I ... can ... only recommend reading [the articles] them. Conflict in the Archaeology of Living Traditions demonstrates a fine sensitivity to native peoples and suggests we treat them as something other than objects for observation''

''This is one of a series of 20 volumes derived from the World Archaeology Congress, and contributors come from many countries worldwide. The papers exhibit a new approach to the work of archaeologists, embracing the study of social and cultural change in addition to their traditional role of uncovering and interpretating material evidence of past events and cultures, and in emphasizing the wisdom of involving modern descendants in this research. It will be of immense interest to archaeologists, anthropologists and all those concerned with indigenous peoples'' - Geographical Journal

Spis treści

List of contributors Foreword Preface Introduction: conflict in the archaeology of living traditions 1. Relations of production and exchange in 17th-century New England: interpretive contexts for the archaeology of culture contact 2. Archaeology, colonialism and 17th-century Native America: towards an alternative interpretation 3. History and prehistory in Bolivia: what about the Indians? Made radical by my own: an archaeologist learns to accept reburial 5. On the problem of historicist catgories in theories of human development 6. The burden of an encumbered inheritance upon the study of the past of Madagascar 7. Archaeological and anthropological hypotheses concerning the origin of ethnic divisions in sub-Saharan Africa 8. The role of language in African perceptions of the past: an appraisal of African language policies and practices 9. A chapter in the history of the colonization of Sami lands: the forced migration of Norwegian reindeer Sami to Finland in the 1800s 10. A proper place for the dead: a critical review ofthe `reburial' issue 11. The sanctity of the grave: White concepts and American Indian burials 12. The acquisition, storage and handling of Aboriginal skeletal remains in museums: an indigenous perspective 13. The souls of my dead brothers 14. Statement of American Indians Against Desecration before the World Archaeological Congress 15. Federal Indian burial policy: historical anachronism or contemporary reality? 16. Human bones as symbols of power: aboriginal American belief systems toward bones and `grave-robbing' archaeologists 17. The role of archaeology in nation building 18. Dual perceptions of the past: archaeolgy and Inuit culture Index

O autorze

R. Layton