Seeking an Ethical Balance in Archaeological Practice in Ecuador

Resumen

An examination of the context in which archaeology is practiced in Ecuador demonstrates that two current ethical concerns within the discipline--the conservation of the archaeological record and the recognition of local cultural autonomy--often conflict with one another. Under circumstances where only one ethical concern can be adequately addressed, archaeologists face a difficult decision. Because each archaeologist reacts differently to such a decision, it is not possible to construct a universal archaeological ethic. Ultimately, this situation derives from the fact that archaeology, and the study of the past in general, can play a crucial role in the construction of cultural identity.