Round Tables > Archaeology

ARCHAEOLOGY AND CONSTRUCTIONS OF THE PAST IN AMERICA

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2:45pm-4:45pm

Centre de Colloques, room 1

Organization : Claire Alix (ARCHAM – Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne), Chloé Andrieu (CNRS) and Béatrice Collignon (Passages - Université Bordeaux Montaigne)

Speakers : Sven D. Haakanson (University of Washington), Adriana Linares (University of Austin), Gabriela Martinez (ARCHAM - Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne), Murielle Nagy (consultante en anthropologie et archéologie)

Presentation : Much of American archaeology is about studying the past of societies that are still very much alive, although very marginalized, contrary to their ancestors glorified in most of the world’s museums. The works of archaeologists build a narrative on the history of populations who are now facing severe social and territorial issues. In this context, perhaps more than anywhere else, the uses of these narratives have major political, economic and identity-
based consequences. However, too few archaeologists still think about the ethical and social repercussions of their discourses and activities on the issues the indigenous populations must face. On the other hand, studies in anthropology increasingly investigate the way in which indigenous societies see the remnants of their past, and how their conceptions of historicity articulate with the current heritage management policies. This round table proposes to cross anthropological and archaeological perspectives on these questions which are essential for the archaeological discipline to remain attuned with its responsibilities.

With the support of ARCHAM UMR 8096