A European perspective on indigenous and immigrant archaeologies

Abstract

This essay scrutinizes the special status of indigenous archaeologies in contemporary world archaeology. My aim is to contribute to the future development of indigenous archaeologies by giving them the critical attention they deserve and have earned themselves. A contemporary European perspective not only shows that national heritage is no longer able to unite increasingly diverse populations but also that indigenous perspectives on the cultural heritage must not be privileged over others. What challenges and changes the role of heritage management in Europe in our age is not oppression by immigrants of indigenous minorities but, if anything, an oppression of immigrants by indigenous majorities. We should not surrender the important principles of equality and equal opportunities that modern democracies proudly embrace. Immigrants' claims and responses to the common cultural heritage are as valid and significant as those of any other residents. As the old European nations gradually become episodes of the past, it appears that the future of heritage is wide open.