Indigenous Archaeology: American Indian Values and Scientific Practice

by Joe Watkins

As a practicing archaeologist and a Choctaw Indian, Joe Watkins is uniquely qualified to speak about the relationship between American Indians and archaeologists. Tracing the often stormy relationship between the two, Watkins highlights the key arenas where the two parties ethics, legislation, and archaeological practice. Watkins describes cases where the mixing of indigenous values and archaeological practice has worked well―and some in which it hasn't―both in the United States and around the globe. He surveys the attitudes of archaeologists toward American Indians through an inventive series of of hypothetical scenarios, with some eye-opening results. And he calls for the development of Indigenous Archaeology, in which native peoples are full partners in the key decisions about heritage resources management as well as the practice of it. Watkins' book is an important contribution in the contemporary public debates in public archaeology, applied anthropology, cultural resources management, and Native American studies.

Genres: Archaeology, Anthropology, Nonfiction

234 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the early days of my archaeology career I really wanted to work with Joe Watkins. I'd still like to meet him someday

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

necessary read for all archaeologists and anthropologists