In the Shadow of El Tajín: The Political Economy of Archaeology in Modern Mexico (intro)

El Tajín, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Veracruz, Mexico, is often overlooked in global archaeology despite its rich history shaped by Indigenous Totonac labor and extractive industries. This study reveals how the site's transformation into an archaeological landmark silenced local Indigenous histories and decenters traditional narratives focused on tourism or state involvement. By centering the experiences of Indigenous workers and communities, Sam Holley-Kline exposes the political economy behind El Tajín’s development, highlighting the often-invisible labor networks that sustain such sites. The research combines historical analysis with Indigenous perspectives to challenge dominant discourses, offering a nuanced understanding of El Tajín’s past beyond its ancient ruins.

Holley-Kline, S. (2025). In the Shadow of El Tajín: The Political Economy of Archaeology in Modern Mexico (intro). University of Nebraska Press. https://doi.org/10.17613/93T00-FQ563