Author Description

Debates over the rights of indigenous people to have access to, or lay claim to their ancestors and ancient sites have been very topical in archaeology and anthropology for some time now, but there is still much ground to cover. The rights, needs and objections of indigenous populations can no longer be overlooked or over-ridden. This collection of essays, all of which stem from research seminars given at the Institute of Archaeology at University College London, and a series of subsiduary lectures, given in 2001, brings together a group of scholars to discuss various issues of conservation, identity and ownership in indigenous archaeology. A series of case studies from Japan, Siberia, Canada, Australia, North and South America and Africa, draw attention to issues of people's access to their cultural heritage, legal rights, ethical considerations, and questions of the classification of ancient artefacts and sites. Once museums and other heritage management groups, local government and educational bodies have been brought into the mix, this becomes a very complex subject. The papers highlight the benefits of collaboration, exploring what archaeologists can learn from working alongside indigenous peoples, and examine how these issues are transforming the field of archaeology.