VietNamNet Bridge – Nguyen Giang Hai, vice director of the Institute of Archaeology and general secretary of the Viet Nam Archaeology Association, spoke to Tin Tuc (The News) about community-based archaeology.

One of the association’s stated goals is to popularise community-based archaeology. Would you explain what the term means?

There are many places in Vietnam ideally suited to community-based archaeology.

In a nutshell, community archaeology is archaeology by the people and for the people. Within a locality, residents are encouraged to be interested and excited in the material evidence of the past and to be aware of its value so that their attitude towards its protection and preservation is enhanced.

Is community-based archaeology popular in Southeast Asian countries?

There are only two countries who have successfully applied this model – Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia is a special case as public archaeology was implemented just after it overcame its terrible period of race extinction.

Talking about Cambodia means talking about Angkor, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Cambodian archaeologists have managed to popularise the temple’s historical and cultural value locally. Residents are keenly aware that their living standards will be improved if they protect the site.

Angkor attracts a huge number of tourists from around the world everyday. The entry price is US$20 per day, $40 for three days and $60 for a week. Few people choose the first kind of ticket.

The protection and preservation of this tourism site brings benefits to the nation and local people themselves.

Community-based archaeology will be an effective way of protecting and preserving national relics in Vietnam.

How about the implementation of community-based archaeology in Vietnam?

Academic archaeologists have an important part to play in popularising public archaeology. Through their research they must attract local interest in the country’s heritage by getting residents involved. For example, they should educate people about local history, in addition to carrying out excavations and research. In fact, many people think archaeology is simply about unearthing ancient or golden objects.

There are many places in Vietnam ideally suited to community-based archaeology. It is just a question of how we go about it. Thailand has selected Pang Mapha in the north for community-based archaeology due to its rich ethnic-minority culture and tourism potential.

Sa Pa, in northern Lao Cai Province, would be a wonderful place to conduct a pilot project on public archaeology as it has all the necessary elements. Cat Tien national park in southern Dong Nai Province is another suitable place.

What’s in the pipeline as far as archaeology in the community is concerned?

We’ve received lots of support for our upcoming programme. TOYOTA Fund is funding the publication of two books on archaeology in the community. The programme will also be an opportunity for domestic archaeologists to exchange opinions about community-based archaeology with experts from other countries.

Community-based archaeology is a must-do exercise, although it will be future generations who benefit the most.

(Source: Viet Nam News)