Archaeological Theory and the Politics of Cultural Heritage - 9780415318327

Taylor & Francis

Archaeological Theory and the Politics of Cultural HeritageAuthor(s): Laurajane Smith\nFormat: Hardback\nPublisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd, United Kingdom\nImprint: Routledge\nISBN-13: 9780415318327, 978-0415318327\nSynopsis\nThis controversial book is a survey of how relationships between indigenous peoples and the archaeological establishment have got into difficulty, and a crucial pointer to how to move forward from this point.\n\nWith lucid appraisals of key debates such as NAGPRA, Kennewick and the repatriation of Tasmanian artefacts, Laurajane Smith dissects the nature and consequences of this clash of cultures.\n\nSmith explores how indigenous communities in the USA and Australia have confronted the pre-eminence of archaeological theory and discourse in the way the material remains of their past are cared for and controlled, and how this has challenged traditional archaeological thought and practice.\n\nEssential reading for all those concerned with developing a just and equ.