Work

Los Emberá, turismo y arqueología indígena: “redescubriendo” el pasado en el este de Panamá

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: In this article we discuss the interest of the Emberá (an Amerindian indigenous group) in collecting knowledge about material remains of the past—such as colonial and pre-colonial ceramic fragments – that are easily found in Eastern Panama. We situate this interest of the Emberá (and their desire to learn more about the past) within the context of indigenous tourism, which has inspired the articulation of new narratives about Emberá history and identity. In addition, the accidental discovery by the Emberá of ceramic fragments from past periods has instigated and facilitated archaeological investigation, a process that resulted in a reciprocal exchange of knowledge between the Emberá and the academic investigators. Such a reciprocal relationship, we argue, can contribute towards the decolonisation of archaeology, create synergies between anthropology and archaeology, and enhance indigenous representation in tourism.

Source: Memorias

DOI: 10.14482/memor.18.475.8

Authors: Tomas Enrique Mendizábal, Dimitrios Theodossopoulos

Institution: University of Kent

Language: English

Topic: Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Subfield: Cultural Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: British Academy, Economic and Social Research Council

Award: G841499813