Can Archaeology be a Form of Colonialism? Exploring the Implications of the Actor-Network Theory
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22018921 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sayumphu Ros (0009-0008-3422-8659, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 152-161 |
| Publication date | 2024-07-18 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Herança (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2184-3090 • E-ISSN: 2184-3090 |
| Publisher | UK Zhende Publishing Limited Company (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.52152/heranca.v7i2.993 |
| OpenAlex | W4400782764 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 10 |
This research paper examines the long-lasting impact of colonialism in archaeology through the lens of actor-network theory (ANT). It investigates how historical and contemporary power dynamics, particularly those based on Eurocentrism, continue to influence archaeological practices and knowledge production. Besides human actors, the study also emphasizes the importance of nonhuman actors, such as tools, technologies, and data, in reinforcing these asymmetrical power dynamics. Using qualitative research methods, the paper investigates how colonial powers historically dominated the field and how these practices continue to this day. A detailed literature review demonstrates that the dominance of Western narratives in archaeology frequently marginalizes local perspectives and knowledge. The paper advocates for a more collaborative and egalitarian approach to archaeological research, emphasizing the value of community involvement and knowledge co-curation. It implies that using ANT can help uncover and mitigate colonial influences by emphasizing the complex networks of human and non-human interactions that underpin archaeological practices. The study's findings advocate for a reevaluation of research methodologies in archaeology to ensure more equitable and inclusive knowledge production, fostering a better understanding of past and present cultural dynamics. Future implications include the possibility of more equitable power distributions in the field, as well as the promotion of ethical research practices that value and incorporate local voices and expertise
Actor–network theory · Archaeology · Colonialism · Engineering ethics · Environmental ethics · Narrative · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Computer Science · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · Engineering · Historical and Cultural Archaeology Studies · History · Law
Actor-Network Theory, ANTi-History and critical organizational historiography
Decolonization in Archaeological Theory
Notes on the theory of the actor-network
Encounters with Legacy Images
Adapting Western Research Methods to Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Tools of Archaeology
De-exoticizing Cambodia’s archaeology through community engagement
Actor-Network Theory's Take on Archaeological Types
Colonial archives and the arts of governance
Decolonizing Archaeological Thought in South America
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |