Archaeology Matters: Action Archaeology in the Modern World (Key Questions in Anthropology) - Softcover

'What matters in Jeremy Sabloff's Archaeology Matters is his call that archaeology be political, practical, and located inside and within communities. I have known Jerry Sabloff over 40 years and never has his archeology been so fresh, pertinent, skillful, and inviting. He writes to us all as a senior professional who could say he has done enough, but proves here that we have more to do, particularly as citizens.' Mark Leone, University of Maryland 'This book is an archaeological activist's primer, full of good arguments for enjoining the intellectual battle for a less rapacious society and more sustainable development. Jerry has rightly aimed it at the young (the book is 'intended for students on introductory archaeological courses') who are idealistic enough to want to see their archaeology having an impact on contemporary issues, but he does not underestimate how difficult it will be to get some of these messages across, noting wryly that the best known 'archaeologist' in America is an unrepentant looter called Indiana Jones - not exactly the role model archaeologists would choose for their caring profession.' Christopher Catling, SALON - the Society of Antiquaries of London Online Newsletter 'Many of [the] case studies show archaeology is being used as a political and legal tool to uphold the rights of traditional commities against govenments and commercial interests that would walk over them for shortterm gain...Depending on your political position (and how idealistic you are), this is a book that will either inspire you to see archaeology in a new and positive light, or send you back to the tranquility of your study, muttering that it was to escape all this political nonsense that you took up archaeology in the first place.' Current Archaeology

Archaeology is perceived to study the people of long ago and far away. How could archaeology matter in the modern world? Well-known archaeologist Jeremy Sabloff points to ways in which archaeology might be important to the understanding and amelioration of contemporary problems. Though archaeologists have commonly been associated with efforts to uncover cultural identity, to restore the past of underrepresented peoples, and to preserve historical sites, their knowledge and skills can be used in many other ways. Archaeologists help Peruvian farmers increase crop yields, aid city planners in reducing landfills, and guide local communities in tourism development and water management. This brief volume, aimed at students and other prospective archaeologists, challenges the field to go beyond merely understanding the past and actively engage in making a difference in the today’s world.