Alternative Archaeology in Silwan - Outline of Principles
1. We believe that archaeology can and should be used to promote understanding, not conflict. Archaeology can further the peace of Jerusalem.
2. Our archaeology provides a rich tapestry of the lives of people in Jerusalem, allowing everyone to find their own links to the past.
3. Our archaeology is not text-bound or selective: it serves to tell an inclusive and independent story of human existence, culture, and achievement.
4. We do not assign different values to different cultures: all strata contribute to an understanding of Jerusalem’s history on equal terms.
5. It is not our business to establish links between modern ethnic identities (e.g., Palestinians, Israelis, or Europeans) and ancient ones (e.g., Judeans, Canaanites, or Crusaders). We do not use archaeology to prove precedence.
6. Since archaeology provides an independent view of human and social origins, it is inherently critical of all historical narratives.
7. Where archaeological and textual narratives overlap, each serves to illuminate the other: both are interpretive, neither has absolute truth-value.
8. Since archaeologists appropriate public property, the use they make of this property must be justified, particularly to the public whose property was appropriated.
