In this research the authors propose the Great Line of Life, which reframes the cultural link between present and past in the archaeological practice of the Mixteca Alta. Through the different... Show moreIn this research the authors propose the Great Line of Life, which reframes the cultural link between present and past in the archaeological practice of the Mixteca Alta. Through the different examples that are discussed, the importance of the knowledge and perceptions of the contemporary dwellers for the interpretation of the pre-colonial past can be seen. This research is presented as alternative archeology that seeks to decolonize the discipline. This archeology proposes to be flexible, relational, multi vocal and holistic. This way of doing archeology in the Mixteca is relevant because, on the one hand, it allows the parameters in which this practice has been classified to be broadened and, on the other, it reinforces the identification of contemporary societies with the pre-colonial past. Likewise, its importance lies in the fact that it is based on ethics and respect for Indigenous Peoples and shares the search for a better quality of life. Show less
This study aimed to construct a historiography of archaeological landscape research on the island of Crete and evaluate the knowledge acquired through different approaches of over more than a... Show moreThis study aimed to construct a historiography of archaeological landscape research on the island of Crete and evaluate the knowledge acquired through different approaches of over more than a century’s intense archaeological work. It provides a detailed analysis of relevant projects, which are seen within a wider historical framework of archaeological landscape research from the beginnings of the discipline (19th century) to the present day. The five (5) major ‘traditions’ or else ‘approaches’ of studying past landscapes that are identified, demonstrate certain common attributes in questions asked, methodology followed and interpretative suggestions. Analysis, however, has shown that these ‘traditions’ have been in a continuous interplay and have each their own limitations as well as worthy contribution to the study of the Cretan past. The assessment of archaeological landscape work on Crete and the use of landscape data in a case study area for the historical reconstruction of human activity, concluded on the need to be explicit regarding 1) the relationship between data and interpretations and 2) the kind of information we need to produce and publish from landscape research so that we promote archaeological knowledge and allow a higher level of communication within the archaeological community. Show less
