ABSTRACT
In the last 10 years I have published my view about the development of archaeology in South America, its current theoretical and methodological structure and the sociopolitical factors that have affected its historical trajectory and development (Politis 1995, 2001, 2002, 2003; Politis and Pérez Gollán 2004). Although few other archaeologists have debated this subject from a regional perspective (e.g. Dillehay in press), similar analyses for specific countries have proliferated in the last few years (e.g. Gnecco 1996, Langebaeck 1996, Llanos Vargas 1999, Lima 2000, López Mazz 2000, Eremites de Oliveira 2002). In this chapter, I will summarise and present an update of the most relevant issues I have discussed elsewhere in order to characterise current trends in South American archaeology. I will also refer to some ethical and political dimensions of professional practice regarding the so-called re-burial issue and the always difficult interaction between archaeologists and indigenous people.
