Bibliographic Information
Article Title
Ethics and Archaeological Tourism in Latin America
Journal Title
International Journal of Historical Archaeology
Author(s)
Diaz-Andreu, Margarita
Month of Publication
April
Year of Publication
2013
Volume Number
17
Issue Number
2
Article Pages
224-244
Web Address (URL)
Additional Information
Available Through
SpringerLink
Language
English
Notes
Abstract:
Archaeological tourism and ethics are two fields that, with exceptions, scholars have been reluctant to combine. There is, however, an increasing concern on the general subject of tourism and ethics and this article will draw examples from Latin America to explore the intersection between both. An overview of the history of archaeological tourism in Latin America will be provided. A growing number of archaeologists all over Latin America are becoming active in promoting or assisting the conversion of sites into tourist attractions. For some, it is a way of protecting sites in the face of the dangers brought about by uncontrolled tourism and for others helping locals to earn a living is a humanitarian question. Yet, archaeological remains are not neutral, but powerful means of creating historical memory and identity. Tourism becomes a means of advertising and even of legitimizing the existence of groups and that politicizes archaeologists’ engagement with tourism. This politicization represents an ethical challenge for the profession. Also, the conversion of archaeological ruins into tourist attractions can only be made through the commodification of culture. This has been denounced by some scholars as another postcolonial appropriation and neoliberal method of controlling indigenous groups, but hailed by others as a good thing for indigenous communities as it provides them with a living.
Keywords
Heritage Ethics Archaeological tourism Latin America Commodification of culture Indigenous groups
Taxonomies
RPA Codes & Standards
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
- Adequate and Responsible Reporting, Publication, and Dissemination
- Avoid, Discourage, and Report Unethical and Illegal Activity
- Consultation/Partnership with Affected Groups
- Culturally Significant and/or Sacred Sites, Objects, and Places
- General Archaeological Ethics
- Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
- Preservation of Archaeological Resources
- Public Interest, Collaboration, Education, and Outreach
- Stewardship
Topics & Issues
- Archaeological Ethics - Other
- Collaboration in Archaeology (i.e. Communities, Non-Archaeologists, etc.)
- Colonialism and Imperialism
- Compensation for Work
- Conservation and Ethics
- Descendant, Resident, and Stakeholder Communities
- Destruction of Cultural Heritage
- Development vs. Conservation
- Ethical Case Studies
- Heritage and Archaeological Tourism
- Historic/Cultural Resource/Site Preservation