Native Americans and Archaeologists

Stepping Stones to Common Ground

Edited by Nina Swidler, Kurt Dongoske, Roger Anyon, Alan Downer

Not available to order

Publication date:

08 April 1997

Length of book:

320 pages

Publisher

AltaMira Press

ISBN-13: 9780759117594

Legal and economic factors have thrust American archaeology into a period of intellectual and methodological unrest. Issues such as reburial and repatriation, land and resource 'ownership,' and the integration of tradition and science have long divided archaeologists and Native American communities. Both groups recognize the need for a dramatic transformation of the discipline into one that appeals to and serves the greater public. This book tackles these and other issues by elucidating successful strategies for collaboration. It includes detailed discussions of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), enacted in 1990 in effort to legislatively redefine ownership of cultural items. Perspectives range from Native American representatives from tribes throughout the U.S., professional archaeologists and anthropologists working for tribes, federal and state agency representatives, museum specialists, and private archaeology and anthropology consultants. Published in cooperation with the Society for American Archaeology.
A careful reading will allow one to understand not only the personal insights each author brings to the volume, but also the myriad issues that impact anyone who practices archaeology....Anyone interested in anthropology or American Indians will enjoy this book.