Heritage, Communities and Archaeology

Development of Community Archaeology

This book traces the development of community archaeology, identifying both its advantages and disadvantages by describing how and why tensions have arisen between archaeological and community understandings of the past.

Conceptual Disjunction and Communication

The focus of this book is the conceptual disjunction between heritage and data and the problems this poses for both archaeologists and communities in communicating and engaging with each other.

Community Groups and Identity

In order to explain the extent of the miscommunication that can occur, the authors examine the ways in which a range of community groups, including communities of expertise, define and negotiate memory and identity.

Expressions and Struggles over Cultural Recognition

Importantly, they explore the ways in which these expressions are used, or are taken up, in struggles over cultural recognition - and ultimately, the practical, ethical, political and theoretical implications this has for archaeologists engaging in community work.

Advantages for Archaeological Research

Finally, they argue that there are very real advantages for archaeological research, theory and practice to be gained from engaging with communities.