Residents and artifacts

This chapter explores the place of residents in archaeology through the remarkable history and relationships of Trowulan residents with Majapahit artifacts. We explain the importance of Majapahit heritage in Indonesia and provide an account of how local man Sabar and his fellow Trowulan residents developed their skill in bronze and stone sculpture. Through focusing on the skilled engagement of people with their environment in the production of heritage, we draw correspondences between the work of archeologists and Trowulan artisans in the production of artifacts. We use these correspondences to argue for a new understanding of and approach to artifacts that address how official and academic understandings of heritage work contribute to and perpetuate imperial legacies that disadvantage and restrict Trowulan artisans and residents.