Abstract
This paper explores specific challenges that archaeologists face when attempting to involve a broader community of local stakeholders in cultural heritage research. We combine our perspectives as a US-based archaeologist and a local community member in a discussion of practical approaches for promoting more equitable research collaborations in the Puuc region of the northern Maya lowlands. The format of the paper includes a blend of dialogue, narrative, and analysis. First, we evaluate the importance of engaging in social interactions outside of the fieldwork setting and examine the limitations to full-coverage community participation. Next, we discuss the structural barriers discouraging greater local interest in cultural heritage research. We assess the potential of linguistic education and digital conservation programs for encouraging broader-scale engagement with knowledge production. Finally, we highlight the importance of employment by archaeological research projects as the critical factor influencing local participation in heritage-related activities. Barring immediate structural changes to the socio-economy of the Yucatán, the most significant way to promote local involvement in cultural heritage projects is for archaeologists and community members to work together to try to secure funding for more sustainable employment opportunities.
Highlights
The Bolonchén Regional Archaeological Project (BRAP) completed its first field season in the eastern Puuc region of the northern Yucatán in the summer of 2000 and has overseen research in the region ever since
We argue that the most significant way to promote local involvement in it is important to clarify that we will be using the term to apply to residents of Kancab, Emiliano Zapata, cultural heritageunless projects is for archaeologists and community members to work together to try to and Yaxhachén, otherwise specified
Recognizing that at least for some local community members, this disconnect may result from a lack of opportunity to productively engage with cultural heritage, archaeological projects like BRAP can work to broaden the scope of our outreach programs
Summary
The Bolonchén Regional Archaeological Project (BRAP) completed its first field season in the eastern Puuc region of the northern Yucatán in the summer of 2000 and has overseen research in the region ever since. 2. Engaging Beyond Archaeology already influenced the lives of local community members and discuss how cultural heritage-oriented projects can best incorporate aspects of community archaeology in the Puuc region moving forward. The paper highlights three principal areas concerning collaborative efforts: (1) the importance of social interactions outside of the fieldwork setting; (2) potential avenues for community members to engage more directly with cultural heritage management and archaeology; and (3) the significance of employment opportunities. We argue that the most significant way to promote local involvement in cultural heritage projects is for archaeologists and community members to work together to try to secure funding for more sustainable employment opportunities
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