: Archaeology has been complicit in the appropriation of indigenous peoples' pasts worldwide. While tales of blatant archaeological colonialism abound from the era of empire, the process also took more subtle and insidious forms. Ian McNiven and Lynette Russell outline archaeology's "colonial culture" and how it has shaped archaeological practice over the past century. Using examples from their native Australia— and comparative material from North America, Africa, and elsewhere— the authors show how colonized peoples were objectified by research, had their needs subordinated to those of science, were disassociated from their accomplishments by theories of diffusion, watched their histories reshaped by western concepts of social evolution, and had their cultures appropriated toward nationalist ends. The authors conclude by offering a decolonized archaeological practice through collaborative partnership with native peoples in understanding their past.

"A good read, informative and thought-provoking. Summing Up: Recommended. Most levels/libraries." - CHOICE

"The authors effectively utilize Australian archaeology and its relationship with indigenous people in order to present their argument, but with themes directed at wider audiences with varying interests, including archaeologists and anthropologists, historians and social scientists." - Museum Anthropology

"For the historian wanting to learn about the history of a highly relevant discipline, Appropriated Pasts is a very good starting point. In exposing the national impacts of archaeology's history, we come face to face with many of the lingering cultural assumptions that inform our visual and textual reference languages. This book presents numerous profound insights into a scientific practice that has shaped our views of Aboriginal peoples." - Australian Historical Studies

"This voume is well suited as a textbook in archaeology, Native Studies, and other disciplines. It will clearly be read and widely cited for years to come on several continents." - Canadian Journal of Archaeology

"I found this book enjoyable and stimulating. It is a thoughtful summation of the sins of our archaeological ancestors." - Aboriginal History

"The book contains an important mapping of 'western' thoughts that influenced certain archaeologies and some fascinating case studies that help especially outsiders better understand Australia's many pasts." - South African Archaeological Bulletin