Fulfilling the Promise. . . An Essay on Swedish Archaeology and Archaeology in Sweden

Abstract

This paper presents a vision of archaeology in Sweden intended to transcend traditional Nordic and Euroamerican perspectives and build on the potentials of Swedish diversity and geography. Sweden is viewed as the northwestern corner of Eurasia and a meeting ground of longterm European and circumpolar cultural and environmental forces. As a player in world archaeology, Sweden can make major contributions to the growth of new theoretical and methodological perspectives incorporating western and non-western lindigenous) ways of knowing. The subject of archaeology is undergoing post-national reformation and must redefine its institutions, better assert its public roles and clarify its message to achieve its full promise.