The reflexive navigator : theory and directions in maritime archaeology

Abstract

This research deals with the development of scientific methodology within maritime archaeology, how knowledge is constructed and the different theoretical complexions represented in a wide range of countries, researchers, and how they look at the archaeological maritime heritage.  The processes of interpretation and the very different ways this and similar concepts are conceived by the maritime archaeologists are at the core of this work: how does the archaeologist interpret or explain maritime aspects of culture?  Therefore, rather than a history of maritime archaeology, this is a critical history of its ideas and changes.

Also, this research pictures the place this field has within other studies of culture and human nature, aiming for a definition of maritime anthropology as a general corpus of knowledge to be directly related to the maritime aspects of culture and with particular attention to archaeology. A number of epistemological models and tools are applied.

Also the development of maritime archaeology in Latin America is starting to draw attention within other research communities.  Therefore, it is taken as a metaphor for the development of the field as its emergent development in Latin America is running parallel to its theoretical development in the region and worldwide.

This study is also a platform to find the tools for a better construction of maritime archaeology in Latin America, due to the links this research has with its development in different countries.  Following this line of constructing maritime archaeology in Latin America, under the codes and methodologies of best practice, a case study was set to incorporate sound theoretical elements directly into field driven research. The scenario is the Atlantic coast of Uruguay; a country where real maritime archaeology faces more than its natural challenges, as it needs as well as to deal with the antagonistic reality of intense treasure hunting.

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