Problematic of Archaeology and Identity in a Multi-ethnic society like Mauritius

Summary

Archaeology studies past identities; however, it also puts into discussion the identity of the present within a society. Simultaneously, archaeological data is being questioned by communities when the data does not really fit the latter’s expectations. These issues have to be dealt with each time one undertakes archaeological research on sites to which communities are emotionally affiliated especially in a countries like Mauritius. Mauritius where multi-ethnicity is at the base, Archaeology can be both a beneficial and a detrimental agent to the society. This paper deals with the ambiguity which archaeological research has to face and the problem of identity of the past in relation to the present, with reference to Mauritius.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Archaeologies of Memory and Identity   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-47,15