Bibliographic Information
Article Title
The Ethics of Archaeology, Subsistence Digging, and Artifact Looting in Latin America: Point, Muted Counterpoint
Journal Title
International Journal of Cultural Property
Author(s)
Matsuda, David
Month of Publication
January
Year of Publication
1998
Volume Number
7
Issue Number
1
Article Pages
87-97
Web Address (URL)
Additional Information
Available Through
CambridgeCore
Language
English
Notes
Abstract: The author portrays the indigenous populations who engage in subsistence digging of sites in Latin America both as a means of supporting themselves economically and as a way of connecting themselves to their past and their ancestors who left the buried remains as a type of gift to their descendants. The article is also critical of the mainstream archaeologists, who, according to the author, hide behind the veil of scientific objectivity. Finally, the author juxtaposes the varying competing interests, particularly against the backdrop of denial of basic human and economic rights in these regions, and poses the question, to whom should these cultural remains belong?
Taxonomies
RPA Codes & Standards
- Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
- Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
- Integrity of Research Methodology
- Procedures for Field Survey or Excavation
CIfA Codes
- Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
- Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment
Keywords & Terms
- Accountability
- Consultation/Partnership with Affected Groups
- Culturally Significant and/or Sacred Sites, Objects, and Places
- Impact on Communities - Local, Descendant, etc.
- Indigenous, Tribal, Aboriginal Rights
- Integrity of Research Methodology and Field Procedures
- Looting, Collecting, and Illicit Trade of Cultural Property
- Ownership
- Preservation of Archaeological Resources
- Professional Standards
- Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups
Topics & Issues
- Conservation and Ethics
- Descendant, Resident, and Stakeholder Communities
- Ethical Case Studies
- Ethical Dilemmas
- Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
- Ethics of Collecting
- Human Rights and Social and Economic Inequalities
- Indigenous Archaeology: Perspectives and Issues
- Interpreting the Past
- Public Memory and Public Space