Multiple Histories: The Archaeology, Ethnohistory, Oral History, and National History of Iximche', Guatemala

Abstract

This article calls for the use of multiple histories to reconstruct the past. More specifically, it argues that Indigenous histories should figure prominently in archaeological discourse. Although the word ‘decolonization’ and its derivatives are never used in the article, it argues for what would today be recognized as a decolonizing approach: foregrounding Indigenous voices, conducting research with benefits for Indigenous communities, changing language that legitimizes Eurocentric views, and ‘braiding’ different ways of knowing about the past. Drawing on ethnohistoric sources, Maya oral histories, archaeological reports, and national histories told by Ladino authorities, this paper examines several historical themes in relation to the Maya site of Iximche’: its origins, conflict and ethnic relations, politics, religion, and identity. This case study shows that combining multiple historical perspectives has the potential to highlight the dynamic, changing, and sometimes contradictory histories of Iximche’s people, and to assert the relevance of Iximche’ and the Maya to Guatemala’s past, present, and future. More generally, bringing together ‘multiple histories’ is a way for archaeologists to build respectful partnerships with Indigenous peoples and act as allies in revitalizing Indigenous identities and cultures.