Heritage companionship in the Andean high valleys: A situated experience from Argentina to engage with postcolonial/decolonial/social archaeology frameworks

Abstract

The issue of decoloniality has emerged because of the long-term archaeological works and active engagement with local communities in Northwester Argentina, and the progressive capacity to identify and question the colonialist assumption of the discipline. Archaeology can be deconstructed through the practice with local communities, by establishing trusting relationships through mutually sustainable initiatives in which heritage appears connecting to other basic needs and rights of indigenous communities, such as education or health beside community lands recognition, which are all marginal points of governmental agendas. Decolonial work done in the field prompted the deconstruction of archaeological theory and practice, as well as the crafting of place-based heritage expressions that strengthen community decision-making and ability to negotiate with the state, and it also help noticing how colonial interventions are still happening, often associated with state and corporate interests in tourism or extractives industries.