Appropriated Pasts

Reviews / Votes

The authors have given solid support to their goal of producing a manuscript that calls attention not only to the ways that archaeology has been used to subordinate, objectify, and appropriate the heritage and past of indigenous populations in Australia but they have found the means of supporting that goal through lucid writing and documentation. The text will be a useful tool to social scientists studying the issues inherent in Indigenous studies and reflexive examinations of archaeology as a political enterprise, as well as to those archaeologists in North America or in Australia struggling with the idea of a shared stewardship. As such, I see the volume as being a major textbook within classes examining Indigenous Archaeology and Critical Archaeology courses of study. -- Joe Watkins A good read, informative and thought-provoking. Summing Up: Recommended. Most levels/libraries. * Choice Reviews * The authors effectively utilize Australian archaeology and its relationship with indigenous people in order to present their argument, but with themes directed at wider audiences with varying interests, including archaeologists and anthropologists, historians and social scientists. * Museum Anthropology * For the historian wanting to learn about the history of a highly relevant discipline, Appropriated Pasts is a very good starting point. In exposing the national impacts of archaeology's history, we come face to face with many of the lingering cultural assumptions that inform our visual and textual reference languages. This book presents numerous profound insights into a scientific practice that has shaped our views of Aboriginal peoples. -- Ann McGrath, Australian National University * Australian Historical Studies * This voume is well suited as a textbook in archaeology, Native Studies, and other disciplines. It will clearly be read and widely cited for years to come on several continents. -- 2007 * Canadian Journal of Archaeology * I found this book enjoyable and stimulating. It is a thoughtful summation of the sins of our archaeological ancestors. -- 2007 * Aboriginal History * The book contains an important mapping of 'western' thoughts that influenced certain archaeologies and some fascinating case studies that help especially outsiders better understand Australia's many pasts. * South African Archaeological Bulletin * Incisive and thought-provoking. A volume that touches all facets of archaeology because of the seriousness of the issues it raises. -- Claire Smith, Flinders University and President of the World Archaeological Congress