Abstract Summary/Description
Archaeological sites in Jamaica represent 2,500 years of human occupation on the island. However, unlike in some global regions (Moshenka 2017), to date there has been comparatively little attempt at communicating archaeological research to broader publics (Atkinson 2006). My ethnographic research examines public perceptions of archaeology, the past, and heritage sites in Jamaica. Influenced by recent literature on public archaeology and on praxis anthropology, my research has two main goals. Primarily, I will utilize ethnographic methods to a) explore current perceptions of archaeology among Jamaicans in Kingston and in rural communities. I wish to garner public opinion surrounding the preservation of historical sites and ascertain the overall public opinion on the importance of properly maintaining material culture. Second, I will create proposals for and engage in community outreach directly connected to a forthcoming bioarchaeological project (called Past Ports), this project investigates migrations in the western Caribbean. I have been graciously invited to collaborate with this research project to develop public-facing programs that raise awareness about archaeological research and heritage resources on the island. My research draws on recent scholarship in public archaeology and praxis anthropology. However, rather than imposing a model for public archaeology from elsewhere, my proposals for longer term community engagement activities will be grounded in and informed by the interests of community members and heritage professionals in Jamaica. Literature Cited Atkinson, Lesley-Gail, ed. 2006. The earliest inhabitants: The dynamics of the Jamaican Taino. University of West Indies Press, Kingston, Jamaica. Moshenka, Gabriel 2017 Key Concepts in Public Archaeology UCL Press, London.
