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Praxis, Persistence, and Public Archaeology: Disrupting the Mission Myth at La Purísima Concepción
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 May 2024
Abstract
This article introduces a model that harnesses praxis as a powerful tool for critique, knowledge, and action within the realm of public archaeology. The adopted framework focuses on persistence as a middle-range methodology that bridges the material past to activist and collaborative-based projects. Recent research at Mission La Purísima Concepción in Lompoc, California, shows the effectiveness of this model and its real-world application. Visitors to California missions encounter the pervasive “Mission Myth”—a narrative that systematically overlooks and marginalizes Indigenous presence while perpetuating ideas of White hegemony and Eurocentrism. Archaeological excavations in the Native rancheria and collaboration with members of the Chumash community help resist notions of Indigenous erasure. By activating notions of persistence through public archaeology, this study contributes to dismantling entrenched terminal narratives, paving the way for a more accurate representation of the past and fostering a more inclusive archaeological practice.
Resumen
Este artículo presenta un modelo que aprovecha la praxis como una herramienta poderosa para la crítica, el conocimiento y la acción en el ámbito de la arqueología pública. El marco adoptado se centra en la persistencia como una metodología de alcance medio que vincula el pasado material a los proyectos basados en el activismo y la colaboración. Las investigaciones recientes en la Misión La Purísima Concepción, en Lompoc, California, ofrecen un ejemplo de la efectividad de este modelo y su aplicación en el mundo real. Los visitantes se encuentran con el omnipresente mito de la misión, una tesis que sistemáticamente pasa por alto y margina la presencia indígena mientras perpetúa las ideas de eurocentrismo y el monopolio de los blancos. Las excavaciones arqueológicas en la ranchería indígena y la colaboración con los miembros de la comunidad chumash ayudan a oponer las nociones de borrado indígena. Al activar las nociones de persistencia a través de la arqueología pública, este estudio contribuye a desmantelar discursos terminales arraigados para abrir camino a una representación más precisa del pasado y para fomentar una práctica arqueológica más inclusiva.
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- Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for American Archaeology
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