The Intersection of Sacredness and Archaeology

As more and more of our physical landscape is being altered through rapid growth and development, the cultural landscape is also being changed and challenged. These changes often reflect the interests of some members of society, while the interests of others, including those of Native communities and many archaeologists, environmentalists and others who understand the importance of knowing the past, are disregarded. The latter group is dedicated toward preserving special places, and continuing to provide for Native people the ability to celebrate their traditions and focusing on defining the sacred landscape. What is sacred? Who defines sacred, and with what parameters? And, how is sacredness determined? Is it a legal term that is defined by the courts? And, are there degrees of sacredness? Can sacred and profane co-exist? What role do Native oral traditions play in defining a sacred landscape? Is a sacred landscape static, or can it be fluid and change? The term sacred can be applied to rock art sites, formations on the physical landscape, rituals, artifacts, evidence of past activities, and even, intangible oral traditions. This symposium will explore the many facets of sacredness that challenges the participants to view sacredness with an emic perspective.