Ethnoastronomy as an academic field: an outline for a South American programme

ALEJANDRO MARTÍN LÓPEZ

Lima

Congreso; Oxford IX International Symposium On Archaeoastronomy (International Astronomical Union Symposium No. 278); 2011

International Society for Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture e International Astronomical Union

The present study is a methodological reflection based on twelve years of work experience in South American ethnoastronomy. The aim is to propose some bases for a possible development plan for ethnoastronomy in this region. Based on the idea of ethnoastronomy as a social science, we discuss some issues such as: the construction process of an academic field; the links between ethno and archaeo astronomy; the idea of  “otherness”; ethnographic methodology; the relevance of the logics of practice; the relation between orality and writing and the dialectic relationship between change and continuity. Also, we discuss possible ways for the institutionalization of ethnoastronomy. Finally, we consider the great importance of regional and international academic exchange. Páginas 38-49.