Historical Archaeology in Latin America

ANDRÈS ZARANKIN; MELISA A. SALERNO

Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology

Springer

Año: 2011;

Historical Archaeology in Latin America was the only specialized series on historical archaeology which existed in the region until 2007 (when some other journals, such as Vestígios ? Revista Latinoamericana de Arqueologia Histórica and Revista de Arqueología Histórica Argentina y Latinoamericana, started being published). It was coordinated by Stanley South, an American scholar usually known for his pioneering work on pattern analysis in historical archaeology. The series was funded by a grant from The Conference on Historic Site Archaeology, and it had the support of the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology. Sixteen different volumes were published between January 1994 and April 1996 (after that date Historical Archaeology in Latin America stopped being published). The volumes showed the heterogeneous development of historical archaeology in the region. The articles were mostly written by Latin American archaeologists in Spanish, Portuguese or English. Argentinean, Uruguayan, and Brazilian scholars produced 90% of the works, showing their strong presence in the field of study. The vast majority of the contributions were interested in colonial archaeology (the analysis of the European settlement in the region and its consequences). Hispanic and Portuguese foundations were the major focus of attention. However, some scholars also discussed the nature of other kind of sites during colonial times (such as those created by maroon slaves). The study of all of these contexts involved discussions on the production and distribution of artifacts, the construction of social difference, etc. In the course of its short existence, Historical Archeology in Latin America proved the need to consolidate historical archaeology in the region. On the one hand, different areas and countries had been traditionally connected by similar historical processes. On the other, archaeologists should stop working in isolation to improve the understanding of the past and present of their own societies.