Julia Budka

Carruthers, William. Flooded Pasts: UNESCO, Nubia, and the Recolonization of Archaeology. Ithaca/NY: Cornell UP, 2022.

Introduction

Carruthers, william. Flooded pasts: unesco, nubia, and the recolonization of archaeology. Ithaca/ny: cornell up, 2022.. Uncover "Flooded Pasts" by William Carruthers, examining UNESCO's role in Nubian archaeology and its recolonization. A critical perspective on heritage.

Abstract

Review

William Carruthers' *Flooded Pasts: UNESCO, Nubia, and the Recolonization of Archaeology* promises a timely and critical intervention into the history and politics of heritage management. The title alone signals a deeply analytical and potentially provocative examination of a canonical moment in international heritage preservation: the UNESCO campaign to save the monuments of Nubia following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. By framing this monumental undertaking through the lens of "flooded pasts," Carruthers likely explores not only the literal inundation of archaeological sites but also the complex, often submerged, narratives and power dynamics inherent in such global endeavors. This book is poised to challenge prevailing celebratory accounts of UNESCO's role, situating its actions within a broader historical context of post-colonialism and international development. The most compelling aspect suggested by the title is the concept of the "Recolonization of Archaeology." This potent phrase indicates that Carruthers moves beyond a simple critique to argue that even ostensibly benign or benevolent international heritage efforts can inadvertently, or perhaps inherently, perpetuate colonial structures and power imbalances. In the context of Nubia, this suggests an examination of who ultimately controlled the narrative, the methods, the resources, and the interpretative frameworks during the salvage campaigns. It likely delves into how Western-centric perspectives might have dominated the prioritization, excavation, and subsequent presentation of Nubian heritage, potentially sidelining local voices and knowledge systems, thereby "recolonizing" the archaeological discourse even as monuments were "saved." *Flooded Pasts* is therefore positioned to make a significant contribution across multiple disciplines, including archaeology, heritage studies, postcolonial theory, and the history of international organizations. It promises to offer a nuanced understanding of how global heritage initiatives, even those driven by noble intentions, are entangled with broader geopolitical and socio-cultural power structures. Scholars and students interested in the ethics of cultural preservation, decolonizing methodologies, and the intricate relationship between development, diplomacy, and cultural heritage will find Carruthers' work essential reading, prompting a critical re-evaluation of established narratives and practices in the field.

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