Amerindians need to be sensitised about archaeological studies – American professor

American professor of anthropology attached to Boise State University believes that more needs to be done to sensitise Amerindians across the country about archaeological research being done in Guyana with the aim of having them more involved in the discoveries.

Professor of Anthropology and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Boise State University, Dr Mark Plew said more opportunities need to be made available to Guyana’s indigenous populations with respect to anthropology.

“Preservation of the indigenous heritage must include participation of all Guyanese, but importantly by the Amerindian population.

“We must create greater opportunities for indigenous participation in location and discovery, identification and the study of archaeological remains,” Dr Plew told a small group of persons at the Umana Yana Kingston, Georgetown during a lecture on “Prehistoric Archaeology: the Indigenous peoples of Guyana.” He believes that once there is the involvement of the Amerindian people in the work of archaeologists and anthropologists here, then those prime in the profession will benefit significantly from the knowledge of the country’s first people during the prehistoric periods.

“It will be the primary means to which we understand the prehistoric of Guyana,” he said.

The professor of anthropology who has been frequenting Guyana’s hinterland for a number of years said, with the opening of the Denis Williams Summer School of Anthropology, the goal of having Amerindians participate integrally in research could be achieved.

“We have to create a way for Amerindian communities to be more involved in these very important research efforts,” Dr Plew remarked.

Since the opening of the summer school of anthropology, which is run by the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology and the Culture Ministry, 25 young persons have been trained.

Plew added that over the years there has been much discovery here as it relates to the prehistoric life of the Amerindian peoples and he has been, “continuously impressed”. Recently, Dr Plew and a group of budding anthropologists conducted an investigation at the Siriki Mounds located in the Pomeroon, Region Two. Much, he said was discovered there and noted that much more can be unearthed once there is the collaboration with the Amerindians.

Meanwhile, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony believes that the work being done by the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology in collaboration with overseas partners has “been gaining momentum.”

Speaking at the lecture that coincided with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Dr Anthony said he is pleased to see many foreign archaeologists and anthropologists coming to Guyana to explore the country’s rich history. He believes that with the opening of the Denis Williams School of Anthropology, young people would be given an insight into Guyana’s prehistory.

“It is important that we learn more about this, our past… and we must document it,” he urged researchers present at the forum.

Similarly administrative manager, Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Jennifer Wishart said she is proud of the achievements made over the years by the entity to which she runs.

She noted that over the years, many students have been given an opportunity to learn about the life and work of Amerindians and she is pleased that there is a growing interest in Anthropology.

One local student of the summer school of anthropology, Louisa Daggers was granted a scholarship to attend Boise State University for eighteen months to pursue her masters in anthropology.

Daggers expressed appreciation for the opportunity given to her to further her studies. She has been working with the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology for a number of years and has been a student of the Denis Williams summer school of anthropology for approximately three years. The International Day of World’s Indigenous People is being observed under the theme: “Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future.”