Ethnoarchaeology in South America: Development and Perspectives

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ID: 314399
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Ethnoarchaeology is at a crossroads. The main criticisms are its limited application in “real archaeology,” the ethical dimension, and the permanent concern about the use of contemporary societies to understand past people on the basis of the analogical argument. Despite these criticisms, ethnoarchaeology proved to be an outstanding producer of analogies and theoretical models for archaeological interpretation, and an antidote for ethnocentrism. These values transform the discipline into a privileged interpretative tool as we discuss in this chapter. We summarize the origin and development of ethnoarchaeology in South America as well as its current status and trends. We also discuss the main criticisms, which are mostly based on an old-fashion conception of ethnoarchaeology, as some recent articles have pointed out. The discipline is taking new avenues in the current dynamic scenario and developing multiple research alternatives. Although ethnoarchaeology shared a colonial heritage with other anthropological disciplines, new strategies and goals are decolonizing its practice in South America.
Reference Key
openalex_W7161960091 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Gustavo G. Politis, Fabiola Andréa Silva
Journal Oxford University Press eBooks
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195391367.013.14
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195391367.013.14
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