Embracing Ethnographic Archaeologies in Community Research
Our current project explores how ethnography can meaningfully inform archaeological practices. We have partnered with a local tribal community to conduct a project that retells early archaeological work performed in the Ventura and Los Angeles area using tribal priorities. We've already covered community-based participatory research (CBPR), how to engage deeply with local communities, and how to recognize them as equal collaborators. Now, we're placing our work within the field of ethnographic archaeology.
But what exactly does this mean?
Ethnographic archaeologies are designed to understand how archaeological heritage activities impact local communities and how these communities engage in heritage discourses. It treats material traces of the past not as passive objects, but as active participants influencing social, political, and economic interactions. This field highlights a shift towards collaborative, participatory approaches that challenge traditional hierarchies and reflect on the relevance of archaeology in the present. Ethnographic archaeologies are about decolonizing scholarly practices by establishing a transdisciplinary participatory space that accommodates diverse perspectives and challenges conventional narratives.
Here’s how our project aligns with six significant themes highlighted as explained by Dansac (2021) and Hamilakis and Anagnostopoulos (2009):
1. Critical Reflexivity
We’ve continuously been mindful of our backgrounds and academic training, and thoughtfully shaping our approach and questions. Reviewing interview transcripts, identifying themes, participating in group discussions, and continuously collaborating with tribal communities are essential to our ongoing reflective practice. This critical awareness helps ensure we respect community knowledge and interpretations.
2. Total Ethnographic Approach
Our work extends beyond studying physical artifacts. We adopt a holistic ethnographic approach by incorporating oral histories of archaeologists, ancestral memories through consultations, and fieldtrips. These have illustrated the lived identities of the communities involved. This has enabled us to engage deeply with the intangible aspects of heritage and history.
3. Multi-sited Engagement
From Mukurtu workshops and watershed tours to online consultations via Zoom, our project connects multiple physical and virtual spaces. Whether a space known only to the community or a well-known landmark, each site contributes uniquely to the narrative we're co-creating with the community.
4. Multi-temporal Perspectives
Our project spans different timescales, bridging contemporary and historical contexts. We look at the sensitive history of burial sites along the Ventura coast, and unpack historical narratives that have been withheld, we embrace how past events shape current understandings and community experiences.
5. Embodied Engagements with the Past
During our Ethnotour, we experienced it both physically and emotionally. Each of us engaged our personal and embodied experiences at these sites. Our approach links individual narratives to broader historical and cultural contexts.
6. Politically Sensitive and Collaborative
Developing our project in close partnership with Chumash stakeholders ensures that the process remains politically sensitive and ethically responsible. Looking ahead, we aim to expand our collaborative network to include additional local tribes, reflecting our commitment to broader inclusivity and respectful engagement.
By aligning our practices with ethnographic archaeologies, we aim to contribute our research to a growing and important field in archaeological studies. Stay tuned for more reflections and updates as our journey continues!
