2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Modern Cities and Archaeology: A Study on the Revalorization of Archaeological Remains from a Cultural Heritage Perspective
| Project/Area Number |
22K01007
|
|---|
| Research Institution | Ritsumeikan University |
|---|
Principal Investigator |
サウセド ダニエル 立命館大学, 政策科学部, 准教授 (10727671)
|
|---|
| Project Period (FY) |
2022-04-01 – 2026-03-31
|
| Keywords | Archaeological Heritage / Heritage Management / Museums / Public Archaeology / Andean Archaeology / Peru / Urban Planning / Citizen Rights |
|---|
| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
This research aims to study the situation of archaeological heritage and the relationships between social actors (stakeholders) related to its modern use in urban areas in Lima city (Peru). During FY2023 it was possible to observe the current situation of archaeological sites (Bodega y Cuadra, Huaca Melgarejo, Lomas de La Molina, Pachacamac and Puruchuco), museums (Museo Nacional, Bodega y Cuadra, Pachacamac and Puruchuco), and historical sites (Casa Riva-Aguero). On these examples, special attention was given to the existence of outreach programs, educational activities, and possible conflict situations among social actors.
With this data, it was possible to establish a general overview on the management and conservation of archaeological and historical heritage in Lima city. While registered archaeological sites are managed by the Ministry of Culture and the participation of local residents living near these sites is desirable, the kind of participation is usually passive and determined by specialists. Since there are several examples of local residents interested in an active participation at the sites visited, it became clear the need for a different approach from national and local authorities. This data proves the need to build a management system where local residents can participate in planning and managing archaeological remains, as well as having a key role in evaluating authorities' strategies. This data also demonstrated that lacking this approach causes conflict between authorities and other social actors, threatening the conservation of archaeological remains.
|
| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
While on-site observation made it possible to have a general idea about the management and conservation of Archaeological Heritage in Lima city, informal conversation with several actors related to these sites made it possible to have an in-depth idea of the challenges faced by managing institutions.
Following previous years, a micro-level understanding of the relationship between social actors and archaeological remains was carried out at Huaca Melgarejo, as well as outreach activities with the local community. As a result, it was possible to measure the impact of archaeologists working with local communities, as well as to identify the challenges faced on the interaction with other social actors (local and national authorities), giving ideas on how to build a bottom-up approach.
On a macro level, it was possible to identify managing problems between national and local authorities that threaten archaeological heritage. Such problems included budget management, local authorities' lack of knowledge of policies and rules about archaeological heritage management, political and economical interests (mainly related to building tourist infrastructure), and lack of communication between authorities and inside each institution.
With this information, it will be possible in the future to propose a bottom-up approach that gives local residents an active participation on planning and management of archaeological heritage, as well as evaluating the performance of national and local authorities.
|
| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Following the achievements of FY2023, this research project will continue adding examples of archaeological heritage in Lima city. Whenever possible, informal conversations and interviews will be carried out with the managing staff of these sites as well as local residents and visitors.
Having the archaeological site of Huaca Melgarejo as a micro-level example, interviews will be carried out with the local community to identify interests and perspectives on archaeological heritage. To encourage interest on preserving the site, outreach activities will be carried out and evaluated to observe their efficiency.
For comparison purposes, examples of rural archaeological sites will also be observed and analyzed, focusing on Cultural Heritage Management and community building aspects. Examples of other types of heritage (historical and ethnological) will be also explored to broaden the scope of this research.
|
Research Products
(7 results)
