Archaeology impacts the lives of indigenous, local, or descendant communities. Yet often these groups have little input to archaeological research, and its results remain inaccessible. As archaeologists consider the consequences and benefits of research, the skills, methodologies, and practices required of them will differ dramatically from those of past decades.
As an archaeologist and a Native American, Sonya Atalay has investigated the rewards and complex challenges of conducting research in partnership with indigenous and local communities. In Community-Based Archaeology, she outlines the principles of community-based participatory research and demonstrates how CBPR can be effectively applied to archaeology. Drawing on her own experiences with research projects in North America and the Near East, Atalay provides theoretical discussions along with practical examples of establishing and developing collaborative relationships and sharing results. This book will contribute to building an archaeology that is engaged, ethical, relevant, and sustainable.
Community-Based Archaeology Research with, by, and for Indigenous and Local Communities
About the Book
Reviews
“Recommended.”—A. B. Kehoe, Emeritus, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Choice
"Reading this volume is like having a long, engaging conversation with the author."—Eldon Yellowhorn Collaborative Anthropologies
"Lays a foundation for future anthropological and archaeological research . . . required reading for any student considering a career in archaeology or cultural anthropology."—Great Plains Research
"Very effective ... Atalay’s book provides abundant food for thought and concrete examples that serve as guides for making [a] paradigm shift happen in archaeology."—Margaret Brown Vega Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement“Community Based Participatory Research in archaeology finally comes of age with Atalay’s long-anticipated volume. She promotes a collaborative approach to knowledge gathering, interpretation, and use that benefits descendant communities and archaeological practitioners, contributing to a more relevant, rewarding, and responsible archaeology. This is essential reading for anyone who asks why we do archaeology, for whom, and how best can it be done.” – George Nicholas, author of Being and Becoming Indigenous Archaeologists
“Sonya Atalay shows archaeologists how the process of Community Based Participatory Research can move our efforts at collaboration with local communities beyond theory and good intentions to a sustainable practice. This is a game-changing book that every archaeologist must read.” – Randall H. McGuire, author of Archaeology as Political Action