Archeology and community, a proposal for the revaluation of the Canímar Abajo site in Matanzas, Cuba

Abstract

The preservation of the archaeological heritage is based on an international legal framework that projects its work towards the inventory, scientific research and information to the public as important elements to achieve the integrated conservation of cultural assets. Likewise, archaeological resources can be economic boosters at the local level, contributing to raising the quality of life of the population. The musealization of the sites is one of the forms of management to make the knowledge coming from archaeological science accessible to the general public.

The article analyzes the proposal for the management of the Canímar Abajo aboriginal archaeological site as a site museum from the point of view of the community residing near the site. It inquires about the knowledge of the inhabitants of the Consejo Popular Canímar about the archaeological heritage of the area, those responsible for its preservation and the potential of this endogenous resource for development. The results of this quantitative research point towards the majority recognition of the existence of archaeological sites in the area and the need for musealization of the place. On the other hand, a minority manifests distrust before the final execution of the construction project and the possibility of being part of its future benefits. An action plan is also proposed for the future tourism management of the Canímar Abajo site that contributes to local development in the Matanzas municipality.

Keywords:

Archaeology, Heritage, Community, Canímar Abajo, Matanzas.