Researching in a foreign country – reflections on heritage process and decolonisation of archaeology
Archaeological studies produce knowledge of past
cultures and societies through materials remains, creating a narrative
of human life and the ancient heritage. Cultural heritage plays a
role in constructing and reinforcing identities. A researcher,
who is working in a foreign country and cultural context, describing
and interpreting the past, is in fact defining the identity of the
“other” from an outsider’s viewpoint.
Archaeological
research in the 19th and early 20th centuries in Iran and other parts
of Western Asia was conducted in colonial settings. Excavations were
directed mainly by European and North American scholars, a large part
of the objects found was taken for foreign collections and museums and
so was the acquired knowledge. Locals were a main workforce in the
excavations. Some of them became very accomplished field
archaeologists. Nevertheless, they were seldom mentioned in the
archaeological literature. Credit for the work done was given to the
(foreign) project directors and in lesser amount to their colleagues
and students who partook in the projects. Even western women
researchers were marginalized well into the 20th century. Contrary to
the male archaeologists, their work was seldom brought into the
limelight.
Very little of
the knowledge gained from excavations and studies was disseminated to
the local publics. Locals were, in general, considered unable to
understand their past. However, this attitude ignored practical
knowledge locals had of the ancient sites, as well as the very rich
traditions of histories and travelogues of these regions, where the
past is very much present.
Recently, in
the 21st century, more attention has been given to disseminating
information and to including locals in the research; community and
public archaeology are now topical issues in the field of
archaeological studies. Moreover, women scholars have established
themselves well in the field. Future studies will evaluate how these
projects have affected the heritage process and archaeology. The
decolonising of archaeology relies upon inclusive research and
consideration of local interests. Publishing the results also in local
languages is, I my opinion, for the benefit of all. Even though
cultural heritage can be a very subjective experience, heritage is
after all a collective concern and it is defined essentially by a
common past and/or through collective experiencing.
