Heritage, Communities and Archaeology (Debates in Archaeology) - Softcover

Smith, Laurajane; Waterton, Emma

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0715636812 ISBN 13: 9780715636817

Publisher: Bristol Classical Press, 2009

Synopsis

This book traces the development of 'community archaeology', identifying both its advantages and disadvantages by describing how and why tensions have arisen between archaeological and community understandings of the past. The focus of this book is the conceptual disjunction between heritage and data and the problems this poses for both archaeologists and communities in communicating and engaging with each other. In order to explain the extent of the miscommunication that can occur, the authors examine the ways in which a range of community groups, including communities of expertise, define and negotiate memory and identity. Importantly, they explore the ways in which these expressions are used, or are taken up, in struggles over cultural recognition - and ultimately, the practical, ethical, political and theoretical implications this has for archaeologists engaging in community work. Finally, they argue that there are very real advantages for archaeological research, theory and practice to be gained from engaging with communities.

About this title

About the Author:

Laurajane Smith is Reader in Heritage Studies, University of York. Emma Waterton is Academic Fellow in History and Heritage, Keele University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bristol Classical Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0715636812
• ISBN 13: 9780715636817
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144