I hadn't really intended to prolong this debate any further, but some of
Gerry's comments and use of negatively laden words (such as illiterate)
worry me slightly.
The fact that some peoples only possess an oral history, and that it is one
that does not ring true to a scientifically trained mind, does not mean that
it is without value or importance. As archaeologists, I think we have to
bear in mind that this history forms the framework within which we have to
understand cultural expressions of that particular society/people.
It is the tendency of some archaeologists to go into a foreign country and
people, do some fieldwork, and then write the history of that particular
region/people, using concepts and language that is familiar and meaningful
only to professionals from his or her own country/society that worries me,
and that I find bordering on cultural imperialism.
History is not just an object to be studied - it is also, or it could/should
be, highly meaningful and important to those who form the latest link in
that history. Without taking account of how it integrates into their lives
and present understanding of themselves and the world, I think we are
overlooking a very important part of history writing.
I don't think this is such an important consideration when writing the
history of ourselves, our own society, as it is when dealing with other
peoples, such as minorities or foreign tribes etc. Then it becomes a
question of shaping and creating a history for others, but according to our
own standards and understanding, and there are many examples of "others" not
recognising themselves in the history we create. Even worse, they may see
it as an attempt to falsify and distort what has been their own experience
of that history.
To my mind, it is very important to respect even what Gerry calls an
"illiterate" view of history. You can correct factual mistakes and
misunderstandings, but you can't correct someone's experience of their own
history.
Best wishes,
Ingegerd
Dr. Ingegerd Holand
140 Castelnau
London SW13 9ET
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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