Educational Strategies for the Conservation of the Heritage at Monte Albán, Mexico
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20499433 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Nelly Robles García, Jack Corbett (0000-0003-2005-7162) |
| Year | 2008 |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 17-29 |
| Publication date | 2008-02-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1350-5033 • E-ISSN: 1753-5522 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1179/175355208x404312 |
| OpenAlex | W2037093440 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 8 |
The emergence of public archaeology over the past three decades reflects a growing interest in more explicit attention to the relationship between archaeology as a discipline and profession and the numerous stakeholders constituting the 'public'. In Mexico the practice of archaeology continues to be highly centralized, but notable opportunities for a more participatory style are beginning to appear. The World Heritage Site of Monte Albán, threatened by urban expansion from the city of Oaxaca and by territorial conflicts with poor communities adjacent to the archaeological zone, sought ways to engage affected populations.This paper describes an array of educational strategies developed by site staff to raise the level of understanding and build more positive relations with communities, civic organizations, social movements, and other interested parties. Some strategies were updated versions of widely-accepted practice such as hosting visits from local schools. Others required developing relationships with external organizations, including some from abroad, to bring to Monte Albán special resources and projects. Some locally-developed programmes such as the Volunteer Custodians became the basis for the creation of the International Junior Rangers, a joint effort of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History and the National Park Service of the United States.Despite local successes, the long-term viability of these strategies remains in doubt. Beyond a shortage of resources lie challenges of institutionalization and creation of a new generation of advocates. While educational strategies have shown some results in fostering a sense of engagement and participation, they have been less effective in dealing with vertical relationships. Consequently public archaeology has yet to become firmly established in Mexico compared to its success elsewhere
Archaeology · Citizen journalism · Cultural heritage · Custodians · Economy · Geography · Institutionalisation · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · Sustainability · Archaeology and Cultural Heritage · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · Law · Museums and Cultural Heritage · Public Administration
| Citations per year | 0.2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2021 - 2021 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |