Collaborative Methodologies in Archaeology: Theoretical Reflections and Practical Advances on Heritage, Its Research, and Dissemination

Abstract

Centered around the questions of “whose” and “for whom” heritage is, this article explores various approaches in South America aimed at achieving a public archaeology that is inclusive and beneficial to communities. While the reflections and most case studies primarily focus on indigenous societies, specific efforts to develop collaborative methodologies that include other groups or collectives are also discussed. To provide a comprehensive view, a general review of relevant literature from different parts of the continent has been conducted, synthesizing it to present the state of the art on collaborative methodologies in the Americas, with a focus on South America. The core concepts addressed are heritage and community, their interrelationship, and the diverse ways their connection is crucial today, particularly in terms of collaborative methodologies in various research projects. The discussion highlights how the interpretation and presentation of the past become significant aspects when transitioning from theory to the practice of collaborations. After presenting several previously published examples and the articles comprising this dossier, the article concludes that significant advances have been made in the last decades in developing collaborative methodologies in archaeology. This progress marks a positive path toward the pluralization of the discipline. As an original contribution, the article offers a comparative reflection on collaborative work with communities in museums in Europe and the Americas, evaluating approaches and advancements. It concludes that researchers in the Americas have an advantage: working with materials that are closely connected to the groups that consider them their heritage, or considering themselves the heirs, allows for a more intimate and legitimate approach.