Alternative archaeoastronomies – an overview
Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 253–257
Pub. online: 20 December 2008
Type: Article
Open Access
Received
1 November 2007
1 November 2007
Revised
17 November 2008
17 November 2008
Published
20 December 2008
20 December 2008
Abstract
My paper focuses on diverse misinterpretations in archaeoastronomy grouped into three main topics: 1. Archaeoastronomy, modernity, and ethnic and national identities; 2. ‘Alternative’ and ‘fringe’ archaeoastronomies; 3. Neo-shamanic, neo-pagan, and New Age perspectives and the reinvention of an astronomical tradition. They all are briefly described in order to remind us we should be increasingly aware of our own prejudices and of the styles of analysis we may be imposing on the celestial lore of other peoples.