1st Edition

Indigenous Archaeologies Decolonising Theory and Practice

Edited By Claire Smith, H. Martin Wobst Copyright 2005
    436 Pages
    by Routledge

    432 Pages 69 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    With case studies from North America to Australia and South Africa and covering topics from archaeological ethics to the repatriation of human remains, this book charts the development of a new form of archaeology that is informed by indigenous values and agendas. This involves fundamental changes in archaeological theory and practice as well as substantive changes in the power relations between archaeologists and indigenous peoples. Questions concerning the development of ethical archaeological practices are at the heart of this process.

    Part I Theoretical foundations Part II Reclaiming the past Part III Indigenous voice and identity Part IV The ethics of archaeological practice

    Biography

    Claire Smith is Senior Lecturer in Archaeology in Flinders University. Since 1990, she has conducted filedwork with Indigenous people in Australia, Asia and North America.

    'Indigenous Archaeologies not only offers a comprehensive and significant contribution to these debates, it is also one of those publications that defines and precipitates an important turning point. This book is a 'must have' for any archaeological library... I have used this book in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. The students have found it accessible and informative, but also challenging, as it encourages them to engage constructively with intellectually and emotionally complex themes and issues. I highly recommend Indigenous Archaeologies and hope that all archaeologists working with communities will find the time to read it.' - Laurajane Smith, University of York, Antiquity