Management of archaeological sites and the public in Argentina

ENDERE, MARÍA LUZ

Archaeopress - BAR British International Series 1708

Lugar: Oxford; Año: 2007 p. 187

9781407301525

The existence of alternative voices has been consistently ignored in the management of Argentinean archaeological heritage. Despite the National Constitution´s 1994 acknowledgement of the nations? multicultural nature, the opinions and sentiments of various ?non-professional? groups have not been recognised by many heritage legislators, archaeologists or site managers. The approach of this research - contextualised in the post-processual critique of archaeological interpretation, and of the ?expert-based? view of heritage management - perceives heritage to be a social construction, based upon a wide range of perceptions, beliefs and value systems. The attitudes of the general public, local people and indigenous communities towards Argentina?s archaeological heritage are analysed, in order to examine how perceptions differ according to various value systems. These views are further compared to the criteria adopted by archaeologists and legislators in order to discuss the common assumption that the Argentinean public is generally indifferent to its archaeological heritage. An assessment of both Argentinean archaeological heritage management and the socio-political situation of the indigenous people is followed by the presentation of three case studies - the Pucará of Tilcara, the Quilmes´ Ruins and ?Menhires? Park. The analysis includes an account of the archaeological and historical background of each site, and an examination of their current socio-political and ethnic contexts. The results of site visitor opinion surveys and ethnographic research are used to assess the views of different interest groups - including local villagers, indigenous leaders, New Age people, archaeologists and visitors. The attitudes of the press towards archaeological heritage and the handling of heritage controversies are also examined. Research shows that public views on heritage are complex and vary widely according to social class, ethnic ancestry and place. Sacred, symbolic, political, aesthetic and economic values - not recognised by heritage legislation - are identified. Guidelines for a new legal model of heritage management are outlined to address the values and needs identified by the above research.