Building Community Networks and Food Systems Research to Do Archaeology Differently

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Gateways to Future Historical Archaeology in Mexico and Central America", at the 2024 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

The history of archaeological practice in Mexico and Central America reveals strong imperial desires to claim artifacts, monuments, and heritage for foreign powers. As a still emerging area of study, regional historical archaeology has the potential to help forge a different path for archaeological inquiry. This paper outlines two ways forward. One involves connecting communities with historical and contemporary connections to Yucatán, Mexico, (e.g., descendant communities) to build a diverse network of people who can speak to, against, and alongside archaeologists working in the region. The second entails providing archaeological data to local practitioners (e.g., farmers) who can help to interpret the results and mobilize them in considering their own futures. Specifically, information about previous regional responses to climate change and colonialism can directly contribute to discussion of today’s adaptation pathways. Combined, these approaches can strengthen an archaeological practice that works against, rather than furthering, regional land and heritage dispossession.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2024   •
• Gateways to Future Historical Archaeology in Mexico and Central America

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow