Living Histories

Rather than reviewing what is known about the ancient Southwest, this book examines how archaeological practices have impacted living communities. Colwell-Chanthaphonh (Denver Museum of Nature and Science) usefully summarizes the alienations and entanglements between mainstream archaeological practices and southwestern Native American understandings of deep history. He concisely outlines how indigenous people historically were barred from the archaeological study of their past, and their recent (yet still incomplete) successes in breaking into the conversation. Colwell-Chanthaphonh consistently tacks back and forth between the perspectives of archaeologists and Native peoples, attempting to keep them "separate but equal." The book treats their divergent approaches to the value of the past and sites, the history of archaeological research, and federal laws governing indigenous heritage. Coverage of Native participation in and resistance to early excavations, the emergence of tribal-run heritage programs, and recent collaborative efforts between indigenous people and mainstream archaeologists is particularly strong. The volume, written for nonspecialists, will also be a great addition to introductory courses in southwestern and North American archaeology. Summing Up: Highly recommended. * CHOICE *
The general reader and archaeology student will find this book enjoyable and enlightening. . . . Several of the sidebars present specific topics that would make good class discussions at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Given the history it provides and the discussions it will provoke, this book should be required reading in all university survey courses on Southwest archaeology. * Journal of Anthropological Research *
Colwell-Chanthaphonh has provided an alternative way of presenting the “histories” of the American Southwest. Rather than relegating Native American communities to the periphery or injecting them firmly into the middle, he draws attention to their place within archaeology’s development, growth, evolution, and change. What [Colwell-Chanthaphonh] has created. . . is an introductory volume that all archaeologists—Southwestern and non-Southwestern practitioners alike—should read and take note of. * Current Anthropology *
In this book, Chip Colwell-Chanthaphonh succeeds admirably in writing Native Americans back into the history of Southwestern archaeology. Living Histories is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the anthropology, archaeology, and history of the Southwest, and should be read alongside any of the standard textbooks on these topics. It is an indispensable contribution to the history of Southwestern archaeology. -- Matthew Liebmann, Harvard University
An eloquent, timely, and provocative addition to the literature. Colwell-Chanthaphonh charts a new path for Southwestern Archaeology, pointing the way to sustainable practices that value not just sites but people, relationships, and the 'living histories' that we all inhabit. -- Wesley Bernardini, University of Redlands