When questions and answers really count: historical archaeology, conflict resolution, and sustainability

Summary

In 1988, the questions that really counted in historical archaeology were those which challenged practitioners to be honest about theoretical standpoints, consistent in the application of methods, and increasingly interdisciplinary in approach. While clearly still fundamental, these aspects of practice are now more often viewed in relation to a far more challenging, yet basic, question: what is the relevance of historical archaeology in the contemporary world? In our paper, we will consider the importance (or lack thereof) of historical archaeology to local identities and communities, the role historical archaeology is playing in peace and reconciliation in post-conflict societies, and the challenges of integrating archaeological practice with sustainable development. Examples will be principally drawn from our work as part of IASC (Integrating Archaeology and Sustainable Communities), which is focusing on the north of Ireland and the Scottish Isles, and the discussion placed in a global context.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014   •
• Questions that Will Count in the Future: Global Perspectives on Historical Archaeology

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-7,14