Maya Cultural Heritage: How Archaeologists and Indigenous Communities Engage the Past (Archaeology in Society)

Situated at the intersection of cultural heritage and local community, this book enlarges our understanding of the Indigenous peoples of southern M xico and northern Central America who became detached from "the ancient Maya" through colonialism, government actions, and early twentieth-century anthropological and archaeological research. Through grass-roots heritage programs, local communities are reconnecting with a much valorized but distant past. Maya Cultural Heritage explores how community programs conceived and implemented in a collaborative style are changing the relationship among, archaeological practice, the objects of archaeological study, and contemporary ethnolinguistic Mayan communities. Rather than simply describing Maya sites, McAnany concentrates on the dialogue nurtured by these participatory heritage programs, the new "heritage-scapes" they foster, and how the diverse Maya communities of today relate to those of the past. "Situated at the intersection of cultural heritage and local community, this book enlarges our understanding of the Indigenous peoples of southern México and northern Central America who became detached from "the ancient Maya" through colonialism, government actions, and early twentieth-century anthropological and archaeological research. Through grass-roots heritage programs, local communities are reconnecting with a much valorized but distant past. Maya Cultural Heritage explores how community programs conceived and implemented in a collaborative style are changing the relationship among, archaeological practice, the objects of archaeological study, and contemporary ethnolinguistic Mayan communities. Rather than simply describing Maya sites, McAnany concentrates on the dialogue nurtured by these participatory heritage programs, the new "heritage-scapes" they foster, and how the diverse Maya communities of today relate to those of the past." -- Publisher's description Sheds Light On The Varied Ways Today's Maya Communities Relate To--and Are Often Distanced From--their Deep Past, Historicizes The Role Of Archaeologists And Nations In Pre-columbian Heritage, And Highlights How Grass-roots Heritage Programs Can Bridge Scientific Investigation And Local Community Interests--provided By Publisher. Part I. Background And The Big Ideas -- Haunting Questions -- Forging Nationalism And Indenturing Labor -- Disciplining The Past -- Rethinking Business As Usual -- Engaging The Shadow Of The Ancient Maya -- Part Ii. Connecting With Communities Around Heritage Issues -- Bridges To Community Partnerships -- The Maya Area Cultural Heritage Initiative (machi) -- In Their Own Words -- Talking Cultural Heritage At School With Sarah M. Rowe -- Performing The Past, Creating A Future With Sarah M. Rowe -- Restoring Balance : Pathways To Heritage Without Irony. Patricia A. Mcanany. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Scope and content: "Sheds light on the varied ways today's Maya communities relate to--and are often distanced from--their deep past, historicizes the role of archaeologists and nations in pre-Columbian heritage, and highlights how grass-roots heritage programs can bridge scientific investigation and local community interests"--Provided by publisher McAnany sheds light on the varied ways today's Maya communities relate to-and are often distanced from-their deep past, historicizes the role of archaeologists and nations in pre-Columbian heritage, and highlights how grass-roots heritage programs can bridge scientific investigation and local community interests.