Archaeology in 2022: Counter‐myths for hopeful futures

• DOI: 10.1111/aman.13940
• Publication Date: 2023-11-10T19:14:15Z
• Authors: Marian Berihuete‐...; Chelsea Blackmore; Lewis Borck; James L. Flexner; Catherine J. Frieman; Corey A. Herrmann; Rachael Kiddey
• Keywords: Praxis; Dystopia; Archaeological theory

Abstract Archaeology in 2022 features more calls than ever for a socially and politically engaged, progressive discipline. Archaeologists increasingly respect integrate decolonizing Indigenous knowledge theory practice. They acknowledge embrace the fluidity diversity of sexes genders, past present. document patterns migration, ancient as well contemporary, to combat retrograde racist narratives that remain pervasive public sphere. At same time, field has deep‐seated conservative bastion toward which many scholars retreat, arguing an “objective” is free political implications or interpretive ambiguity. As anarchist archaeologists, we see myth objective one interconnected myths have provided basis archaeology reifies proliferates current social order. We deconstruct relating capitalist colonialist ideologies “human nature,” assumed inevitability order, fatalistic commitment dystopian utopian futures. alternatives, present counter‐myths emphasize contingent nature archaeological praxis, creative collaborative foundation communities, alternative orders uncovers, role hopeful constructing possibilities different