Public and postcolonial practices in Latin American archaeology: engaging with non-descendant communities in northern Belize

The modern villages of San Estevan and Progresso, Belize, are located on and around archaeological sites. Ancient Maya material culture is a daily reality for village residents, yet residents claim no ancestral or ethnic ties to the archaeological remains. This essay reflects on the experience of co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chungará 2012-07, Vol.44 (3), p.467-474
Main Author: Oland, Maxine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ANTHROPOLOGY
Archaeological research
Archaeological sites
Belize
Community
Latin America
Material culture
Maya
Villages
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The modern villages of San Estevan and Progresso, Belize, are located on and around archaeological sites. Ancient Maya material culture is a daily reality for village residents, yet residents claim no ancestral or ethnic ties to the archaeological remains. This essay reflects on the experience of conducting archaeological investigations in these two non-descendant communities, and on efforts at public engagement during the course of research. It shows the evolving views of one archaeologist as she seeks to decolonize her future research practices. // ABSTRACT IN SPANISH: Las aldeas de San Estevan y de Progresso, Beiice, están situadas en y alrededor de sitios arqueológicos. Los materiales culturales antiguos mayas conforman parte de una realidad cotidiana para los residentes de las aldeas, sin embargo, los residentes no tienen vínculo ancestral o étnico a los restos arqueológicos. En este ensayo se reflexiona sobre la experiencia de hacer una investigación arqueológica en las dos comunidades nodescendientes, así como sobre los esfuerzos de participación pública en el transcurso de la investigación. Se muestra la evolución de las ideas de una arqueóloga que busca descolonizar sus prácticas de investigaciones futuras.
ISSN:0716-1182
0717-7356
DOI:10.4067/S0717-73562012000300009