Making archaeology abroad : a postcolonial perspective in Malta
This research is about the archaeological making of the Tas-SilgÌ site in Malta. Archaeological investigations in Tas-SilgÌ have been mainly carried out by a foreign research entity (Missione Archeologica Italiana a Malta). This research explores nature, development and impact of the Italian project within the wider context of Maltese political and archaeological decolonisation. To unpack the making of the Tas-SilgÌ site, this study looks into the micro politics of the archaeological process and unravels the tensions that have accompanied it. In particular this study: 1) microexcavates the convoluted process that established and maintained an Italian research team as privileged interpret of the archaeology in Tas- SilgÌ; 2) assesses impacts and relevance of this long-term Italian project in postcolonial Malta; and 3) examines how archaeological process and site layout interact to produce forms of intellectual and physical dislocation. The research adopts a qualitative approach to give voice to the whole gamut of participants that have defined, negotiated and challenged the making of Tas-SilgÌ. The research shows that Missione control over the site and the archaeological knowledge derived from its investigations
Rossi, A. M.
Making archaeology abroad : a postcolonial perspective in Malta. This research is about the archaeological making of the Tas-SilgÌ site in Malta. Archaeological investigations in Tas-SilgÌ have been mainly carried out by a foreign research entity (Missione Archeologica Italiana a Malta). This research explores nature, development and impact of the Italian project within the wider context of Maltese political and archaeological decolonisation. To unpack the making of the Tas-SilgÌ site, this study looks into the micro politics of the archaeological process and unravels the tensions that have accompanied it. In particular this study: 1) microexcavates the convoluted process that established and maintained an Italian research team as privileged interpret of the archaeology in Tas- SilgÌ; 2) assesses impacts and relevance of this long-term Italian project in postcolonial Malta; and 3) examines how archaeological process and site layout interact to produce forms of intellectual and physical dislocation. The research adopts a qualitative approach to give voice to the whole gamut of participants that have defined, negotiated and challenged the making of Tas-SilgÌ. The research shows that Missione control over the site and the archaeological knowledge derived from its investigations
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