Geoheritage: Obtaining, Explaining and Transmitting Archaeological Knowledge

Abstract

Abstract:: Geoheritage is a notion that has not been discussed in Latin America, not because it is absent, but on account of a lack of a conceptual framework that places all of its related parts under a single unit. Geoheritage is usually associated with geology and the geomorphology, but it also encloses the role that the human population has in adapting and shaping the landscape. Archaeological research produces a great deal of data regarding geoheritage that is universally important for the understanding the origin and development of ancient societies. The transmission of this knowledge to the community is the main responsibility of the archaeologist. Nevertheless, certain populations do not feel a historical link with the initial inhabitants of a given territory and do not always understand or admit its value. For them the notion of geoheritage is not related to the territory in which they live and do not recognize the intrinsic value of heritage per se. This paper presents a case study in the upper Amazon, which illustrates this problem, and the ways used to solve it. The transmission of geoheritage knowledge gained through research is discussed as well as the impact of heritagisation of a site on the local population. Keywords:: geoheritage concept, upper Amazon, archaeological record, heritagisation, knowledge transmission