Public Archaeology in La Cueva Gorge (Humahuaca, Jujuy): 12 years of connection between schools of native communities and archaeology

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present a critical and reflective analysis of over 12 years of work in the field of Public Archaeology at the La Cueva Gorge schools in the department of Humahuaca, Jujuy province (schools N° 116 “Comandante Pastor” in La Cueva/El Chorro, N° 47 in the community of Pueblo Viejo and, finally, N° 370 in Casillas). The text outlines the various methodological tools implemented, including visits to archaeological sites, educational workshops, production of posters, models, documentaries, brochures, and a book. We hope that this work will serve as a useful reference for colleagues and allow them to appreciate the difficulties, seriousness, and respect with which Public Archaeology should be carried out in educational contexts. Additionally, the article demonstrates how these activities benefited all social actors involved in the heritage of the gorge, including educational communities within native peoples and archaeologists. Furthermore, the paper reveals the motivations that led some communities to develop strategies and capacities to reclaim their archaeological heritage and access the knowledge that is generated about it according to their interests. This work also highlights how archaeologists have developed the ability to redefine their role as social scientists.