Looking into the recent past: Extending and exploring the field of archaeology

Abstract

The archaeology of the recent past is a growing field of research. Is this merely a chronological extension of the field of archaeology, or is it something more? What motivates an archaeological interest in a period of time for which there are so many other sources of information? Here it is argued that the archaeology of the recent past is important not only to bring to light other stories than those generally told, but also to bring to the fore theoretical issues of general relevance for archaeology. The latter concern what material remains can be more than just potential sources of information about the past.