Archaeology, Historical Ruptures, and Ani-Kitu Hwagi Memory and Knowledge

Abstract:Comanche scholar and activist LaDonna Harris strongly advocates the recognition and promotion of the four Rs Core Cultural Values: relationships, responsibility, reciprocity, and redistribution. Our contribution discusses the specific forms of each of the four Rs in ᎠᏂᎦᏚᏩᎩ Ani-Kitu Hwagi (Cherokee) practices and ethics of ᎦᏓᎱ (gadahu), ᎦᏚᎩ (gadugi), ᏙᎯ (tõhi), and ᎣᏏ (osi). We present a case study of elements of the history one settlement, ᏅᏅᏁᏱ (Nvnvnyi), as a way to discuss the contemporary reality of heritage management and archaeology's role within that management. Archaeology in Native American communities is often associated with destruction and disruption, so a critical framework that evaluates obliteration is crucial for this specific topic. With the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 and Final Rule in 1995, Ani-Kitu Hwagi people had more say in archaeological activities. Despite this direct oversight, destructive actions to the past and historic resources continues. The countervailing forces to gadahu, gadugi, tõhi, and osi can be summarized as disturbance, including violent erasure, of the past that create historical ruptures. Archaeological work at Nvnvnyi in some cases commits and in others, exposes episodes of rupture of the four Rs for Ani-Kitu Hwagi communities.