allarcheologia

Allarcheologia is a term used in some academic and public discourses to describe an umbrella approach to archaeology that aims to integrate diverse sources of knowledge, methods, and stakeholders in the study of the past. The name combines "all" and "archaeology" to signal inclusivity across disciplinary boundaries, cultures, and communities. While not universally recognized as a formal subfield, the term appears in online discussions, open-education platforms, and projects emphasizing participatory and transparent practice.

Scope and methods: Allarcheologia emphasizes interdisciplinarity, open data, and public engagement. It advocates combining traditional fieldwork and artifact analysis with landscape archaeology, oral history, digital archaeology, and computational methods such as GIS and 3D modeling. Community archaeology and descendant- or local-knowledge collaborators are viewed as essential partners in research design, data interpretation, and heritage management.

History and development: The concept emerged from critiques of disciplinary fragmentation and colonial legacies in archaeology, alongside broader trends toward open science and citizen science. Proponents argue that a holistic approach can improve reproducibility, accessibility, and relevance of archaeological knowledge.

Reception and criticisms: Supporters praise increased inclusivity and data sharing but warn against vagueness in definition and potential dilution of methodological rigor. Critics emphasize the need for clear standards, ethical safeguards, and genuine power-sharing with communities rather than performative engagement.

See also: Public archaeology; Community archaeology; Digital archaeology; Open science; Interdisciplinarity.