Cross-cultural concepts of archaeology: Kastom, community, education and cultural heritage management in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

This paper considers Papua New Guinean indigenous perspectives of the past and the role of archaeology therein. Melanesians commonly see the oral tradition as their primary means of learning about the past and archaeology as a pursuit undertaken primarily by academics, most of whom are foreign. In order to encourage community interest in archaeology and the preservation of cultural heritage it is proposed that the indigenous perspective must be considered in all aspects of archaeological research. It is suggested that indigenous perspectives of information exchange are encompassed in future research programmes. Much of the supporting information was drawn from the South-West Pacific Cultural Heritage Training Program workshop held in Papua New Guinea between 2001 and 2003. The workshop provided a forum for indigenous Papua New Guinea Government Heritage Officers and other interested parties to discuss contemporary heritage management issues specifically focused on archaeology but also broadly including issues in contemporary anthropology.