TikTok's Archaeology Backlash: A Misguided Trend?
is #archaeologyiscolonialism the latest mind virus on college campuses? Because archeology is definitely not colonial.
On TikTok,1 a new trend has emerged that casts a critical eye on the field of archæology. With hashtags like "#archaeologyiscolonialism" and “#archeologycannotbedecolonized” gaining traction, young creators are using the platform to voice their concerns about the discipline's historical ties to colonialism. But is this trend a well-intentioned critique, or does it risk oversimplifying a complex issue?
As someone who has dedicated their career to archaeology (see my LinkedIn), I must admit that watching this trend unfold has been both intriguing and unsettling. It's undeniable that archaeology, like many fields, has a past intertwined with colonial endeavors. The early days of the discipline saw artifacts and human remains removed from indigenous lands, often without consent, in the name of scientific discovery. These actions, fueled by a colonial mindset, have left a lasting impact on the field.
However, to paint all of archaeology with the same brush might be an oversimplification. The discipline has made significant strides in recent decades to address its colonial legacy. Many archaeologists are now committed to decolonizing their practices, working closely with indigenous communities to ensure that their voices and perspectives are central to the research process. Collaborative projects and digital platforms are empowering these communities to share their heritage on their own terms.
Yet, on the TikTok,2 the narrative often feels more black-and-white. In one popular video, a user dons a stereotypical archaeologist outfit and declares, "Archaeologists are just colonizers with degrees." I have 4 degrees kiddo. How many do you have? And from what institutions?
Another video shows a creator smashing replica artifacts, captioned "Returning stolen goods to the earth." These posts, while provocative, do not capture the full picture of what archaeology is today.
I want to make it clear that I am fully aware of the problematic history of my field and am committed to being part of the solution. I have spent countless hours reading about decolonization, attending workshops on cultural sensitivity, and engaging in difficult conversations with my colleagues about our discipline's past. I am not one of those "out of touch" academics who refuses to acknowledge the harm that archaeology has caused.
But, I must admit that seeing my field being criticized on TikTok3 has made me feel a bit... anxious. I worry that this trend will deter future scholars from entering the field, or that it will undermine the trust built between archaeologists and indigenous communities. I fear that my own work will be dismissed as "colonialist" or that I will be seen as a "problematic" archaeologist. I know we have moved beyond cancel culture but our students still check the professor ratings during the registration period.
Perhaps this moment can serve as a catalyst for deeper reflection and dialogue. Archaeologists must continue to confront their discipline's past while highlighting the transformative work being done today. And that means making TikToks4 that hold space for the legitimacy of our practice by centering all the people(s) for whom the practice of Archeology helps them get a 401K match and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
At the same time, TikTok5 creators can be encouraged to engage with the complexities of these issues, recognizing that many within archaeology share their commitment to decolonization.
In the end, archaeology is not a monolith. It is a field in transition, striving to learn from its past and contribute to a more just future. By fostering collaboration between scholars, communities, and the public, we can work towards an archaeology that respects and uplifts all voices.
And, I hope, that I will be remembered as a good ally, as someone who held space, and as the defiant scholar who made it all possible.
After all, some of my “oomfies” (is that how you use that?) do their scholarly work in the occupied Palestinian territories. Incredible stuff they've done over there. Lots of contributions to human understanding.6
I hope they're still around for 2025. They already promised us a hotel block.7 Last year was so fun, it didn't even feel like we were working. They told us there’s going to be way more plots for us to dig on next summer!
BTW There’s a study of our work that takes the radical step of centering the Palestinian consensus some 20+ years ago8. I was not involved but it’s pretty grisly stuff!
From the River to the Sea
Palestine Will Be Free 🇵🇸
Popular Dancing app
Communist mind control app
Narrative Distortion tool
State-Controlled Media apparatus
Multinational Corporation
Palestinian Home in Jerusalem partially Collapses Due to Israeli Excavations. In The Palestine Chronicle, 2020. https://www.palestinechronicle.com/palestinian-home-in-jerusalem-partially-collapses-due-to-israeli-excavations/
El-Haj, Nadia Abu. "Archaeology and Its Aftermath." In Facts on the Ground: Archaeological Practice and Territorial Self-Fashioning in Israeli Society University of Chicago Press, 2002. Chicago Scholarship Online, 2013. https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226002156.003.0009.