
Being and Becoming Indigenous Archaeologists
Author(s): George Nicholas
- Publisher: Routledge
- Publication Date: June 15, 2010
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 350 pages
- ISBN-10: 1598744984
- ISBN-13: 9781598744989
Book Description
What does being an archaeologist mean to Indigenous persons? How and why do some become archaeologists? What has led them down a path to what some in their communities have labeled a colonialist venture? What were are the challenges they have faced, and the motivations that have allowed them to succeed? How have they managed to balance traditional values and worldview with Western modes of inquiry? And how are their contributions broadening the scope of archaeology? Indigenous archaeologists have the often awkward role of trying to serves as spokespeople both for their home community and for the scientific community of archaeologists. This volume tells the stories―in their own words– of 37 indigenous archaeologists from six continents, how they became archaeologists, and how their dual role affects their relationships with their community and their professional colleagues. Sponsored by the World Archaeological Congress
Editorial Reviews
Review
“What an extraordinary volume! A decade ago, when I asked whether we needed a “new and different” archaeology, Indigenous archaeology barely was on the discipline’s radar. There were but a few practitioners, most of them not Indigenous people. A sizable Indigenous cadre of Indigenous archaeologists has emerged since then, and many of their remarkable stories are in this book. The pathways these scholars have taken to become archaeologists are varied and fascinating, their achievements are remarkable, and their work broadens archaeology’s perspectives in much needed, truly positive ways. George Nicholas, who probably has trained more Indigenous archaeologists than anyone else, was the right person to assemble and edit the volume. He introduces the biographies with sensitivity and compassion, providing a solid introduction to Indigenous archaeology(ies) along the way, and even better, he lets the authors’ voices come through.”
– Larry Zimmerman
About the Author
George Nicholas
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