Description:
Archaeologies of "Us" and "Them" explores the concept of indigeneity within the field of archaeology and heritage and in particular examines the shifts in power that occur when 'we' define 'the other' by categorizing 'them' as indigenous. Recognizing the complex and shifting distinctions between indigenous and non-indigenous pasts and presents, this volume draws on an international range of global case studies to give a nuanced analysis of the underlying definitions, concepts and ethics associated with this field in order to explore indigenous archaeology as a theoretical, ethical and political framework.
Review Quotes:
"In common with other postcolonial archaeology publications, this one emphasizes that "Indigenous" tends to be equated with timeless, tradition-bound, non-Western, endangered-in a word, a euphemism for "primitive". That colonized peoples are generally poor tends to be glossed over. A strength of this book is that many authors make this clear. Most of the chapters are well written, interesting, and deepen understanding of what "indigenous" may entail."
A. B. Kehoe, Marquette University