The concept of indigeneity in postcolonial anthropology has evolved significantly, particularly as scholars and activists critique earlier colonial and imperialist frameworks. Here’s an overview of how it has shifted:
1. Early Anthropological Perspectives:
In the early days of anthropology, during colonial times, indigeneity was often framed through the lens of colonial power. Indigenous peoples were viewed as “primitive,” “savage,” or “pre-modern,” and anthropologists frequently worked within colonial systems that depicted indigenous cultures as static and backward in comparison to Western norms. This viewpoint was used to justify colonial dominance and the erasure or alteration of indigenous ways of life.
2. Postcolonial Critique:
After decolonization, anthropologists began questioning the disciplinary role in perpetuating colonialism. Postcolonial theorists like Edward Said, Frantz Fanon, and others critiqued the way knowledge about indigenous cultures was produced, often through the biased perspectives of Western scholars. Indigenous peoples were seen as subjects of study, rather than agents of their own cultural expression. Anthropology was criticized for contributing to the marginalization and erasure of indigenous voices.
3. Indigenous Agency and Resistance:
The concept of indigeneity began to shift from one of passive victimhood to a focus on indigenous agency, resistance, and self-determination. Indigenous peoples were increasingly seen as active participants in their cultural and political survival, engaging in resistance against colonialism, imperialism, and globalization. Postcolonial anthropology embraced indigenous movements for sovereignty and land rights, placing emphasis on indigenous knowledge systems, languages, and traditions.
4. Reclaiming Indigenous Identity:
In the latter half of the 20th century, many indigenous scholars, such as Vine Deloria Jr., Arturo Escobar, and others, began to emerge and contribute to anthropological discourse. They emphasized the importance of indigenous perspectives, countering the dominant narrative created by Western scholars. The focus shifted toward the recognition of indigenous rights, the importance of self-representation, and the understanding of indigeneity as a dynamic, evolving process, rather than a static, traditional identity.
5. Globalization and Indigeneity:
With the rise of globalization in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, indigenous peoples were increasingly seen as both subjects of cultural preservation and agents of change. They are involved in global conversations about sustainability, climate change, and human rights. The evolution of indigeneity in postcolonial anthropology now takes into account the ways in which indigenous communities are responding to and shaping global debates while maintaining cultural resilience.
6. Decolonizing Anthropology:
The most recent evolution in the concept of indigeneity has focused on decolonizing anthropology itself. This involves rethinking the ways indigenous peoples are studied and represented, promoting indigenous-led research, and emphasizing the importance of methodologies that honor indigenous knowledge systems. Decolonization also involves critiquing the power dynamics within anthropology, recognizing the discipline’s historical role in supporting colonial structures, and advocating for more equitable, collaborative research practices.
7. Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination:
Modern anthropology recognizes indigeneity as tied to broader struggles for self-determination, human rights, and environmental justice. The increasing visibility of indigenous activism, such as the fight for land rights and sovereignty, has become central to contemporary anthropological debates on indigeneity.
In sum, the concept of indigeneity in postcolonial anthropology has evolved from a colonial stereotype to a dynamic, political identity that emphasizes indigenous agency, cultural resilience, and the right to self-determination. Scholars and activists today emphasize the importance of decolonizing knowledge and ensuring that indigenous voices and perspectives are central in the study and representation of their cultures.