Official Archaeological Heritage Management and Community Negotiations in the Globalization Period

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the Globalization Period of Belizean archaeology with analyses of heritage institutions, policies, and curricula, and ethnographic interviews and observations. During this time, archaeological practice continues to be controlled by the state and heritage officials and politicians promote specific forms of heritage. Although some national programming focuses on history and culture beyond tangible Ancient Maya heritage and archaeologists increasingly engage in public archaeology, Kriol culture and history continue to be marginalized. Drawing from long-term research in two rural Kriol communities, the author demonstrates that archaeology, tourism, and education influence the ways local residents conceptualize, interact with, and utilize archaeological heritage. Kriol adults reinforce official archaeological heritage discourses but also advocate for community resources and resist official archaeological practices. In addition, youth identify connections between themselves and Ancient Maya people they learn about in creative ways.