The shifting of archaeological views towards translating material culture with interpretive approaches, where local potentials are finally recognized, has had a major influence on the process of the global community’s understanding of the changes that occur among groups called migrants, indigenous people, and ethnic communities. The problem that hits, then, is the possibility to see how one culture’s artifact’s potentials is indigenized into another culture.

This session tried to discuss how approaches that are rooted in transnationalism and diaspora have the opportunity to see more clearly the ambiguity that arises from this shift, and are expected to offer perspectives or theoretical arguments to get around the constraints resulting from the existing complexities.

Are artifacts used to strengthen the collective imagination of an ethnic community and nation? How can we draw some contexts in order to translate the identities of artifacts that are combined in layers and even disguised the geographical boundaries, so that the imagined historical search can then provide precise details in understanding the geopolitical dynamics between the surrounding regions? Thus, how might the practice of art find a way to contribute to that effort? How to build networks and practice reading history from the diversity of the Oceania region through museum work and exhibitions? What is the meaning of oceanic solidarity in the context of our lives today?

Speakers:

Marlon Ririmasse (The National Research Center for Archaeology, Indonesia)

Fuji Riang Prastowo (Lecturer in Sociology – Gadjah Mada University)

Discussant:

Nancy Jouwe (Researcher, Executive Director of Foundation Papua Cultural Heritage)