Section IV: Ethnoarchaeology

Abstract

This section explores the integration of Indigenous oral histories, ethnohistorical, ethnoarchaeological, and archaeological methods to advance understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and their contributions to sustainable futures. It highlights the challenges of preserving oral traditions amidst colonization, modernization, and legal disruptions, emphasizing their role in safeguarding alternative worldviews and ecological wisdom. Case studies from India, Australia, and the Torres Strait Islands demonstrate the nuanced interplay between traditional practices, material culture, and modern conservation efforts, advocating for collaborative approaches with Indigenous communities. It underscores the importance of treating Indigenous science as rigorous and valuable, displaying its potential to enrich archaeological research and policy initiatives. Ultimately, the chapters in this section call for renewed commitment to ethnoarchaeology as a vital discipline for reconstructing lost knowledge and addressing contemporary challenges by fostering respectful, long-term relationships with Indigenous peoples.