Archaeologists nowadays are beginning to recognise the importance of community engagement in archaeological work. For the past decades, archaeologists have put their efforts in involving the public...Show moreArchaeologists nowadays are beginning to recognise the importance of community engagement in archaeological work. For the past decades, archaeologists have put their efforts in involving the public into archaeological work. Despite the efforts made by archaeologists to involve the public, archaeologists do not seem to fully understand the needs and wishes of the public. This thesis analysed four different public surveys and one case study in Oss to acquire information on the public opinion on archaeology. Three different perspectives from three different groups are presented: the public, volunteers and professional archaeologists. The results of surveys analysis suggest that the public is well aware of the importance of archaeology and they want to participate in archaeology, but there are not enough opportunities to participate in archaeology and information on archaeology for the public. Some archaeologists fear that the quality of archaeology will decrease if the public is involved, but the results of public surveys and case study show that involving the public can bring positive effects on archaeology and enrich the content of archaeology. There is a need to provide information and opportunities for the public to enter the world of archaeology; archaeologists should not hesitate in taking any action to involve the public in archaeology. More efforts should be made in communicating with the public, including sharing information and offering opportunities to the public to involve in archaeological work. Nowadays, the public’s interests on archaeology is very important and crucial, not only because of ethical reason, but also if archaeology can gain more attentions from the public, and make the public be aware of their heritage, the public will be a very good helper for protecting and preserving the heritage. In the future, it is will be nice to see archaeologists to work with the public in actions of discovering and protecting the past.Show less
In 1992 the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, also known as the Malta Convention, was held. The treaty was signed by The Netherlands the same day. However, it...Show moreIn 1992 the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, also known as the Malta Convention, was held. The treaty was signed by The Netherlands the same day. However, it was not ratified until 2007, and implemented in a new set of laws known as the revised Monument Act of 2007. This act ensured that the principles behind Malta, mainly aimed at preservation of archaeology for the future, were now legal boundaries through which archaeology was practiced. The developments in archaeology had started before the Convention 1992, at least for The Netherlands. And at the point of ratification in 2007, a lot of changes in regards to archaeological process had taken place. Archis, the database for registering all archaeological research, started in the beginning of the 90’s, followed by quality regulations for reports set up by the KNA at the turn of the millenium, and since the last decade a system of regulated private companies has been working alongside the previous monopolists: the government and the universities. These changes have caused archaeologists to approach excavations in a different way. But the question of how these changes have impacted archaeology are still being answered. It is believed that the amount of excavations has risen in the last decades, but that the size in excavations has decreased. Trying to touch on the subject of excavation size, this thesis is aimed at answering the question: Has the ratification of the Malta Convention, in 2007, and the revised monument act, which followed the ratification, caused a decrease in the size of excavations between the years 1999 and 2008? This thesis is based on excavation reports from the years 1999 and 2008. These reports have all necessary data pertaining to the size of excavations. The two years also give a good overview of the difference between the data in reports before and after the ratification of the Malta Convention. The data shows that there is an increase in excavation size between 1999 and 2008. In both urban and rural settings. Where the main discussion was leaning towards the impression that large-scale excavations are a thing of the past, nothing seems less likely. It is however very interesting to see the time needed to excavate these larger areas. And the assumption that excavations are becoming smaller seems to be more related to the difference in temporal factors, than in actual square meters.Show less
The illicit trade in cultural objects is one of the largest criminal trades known. According to heritage professionals it is important to inform the public, because this could help fight the...Show moreThe illicit trade in cultural objects is one of the largest criminal trades known. According to heritage professionals it is important to inform the public, because this could help fight the illicit trade. In this thesis I studied if informing the public by museums is considered to be the task of museums according to international conventions, museum codes and heritage professionals and what is currently being organised by museums to inform the public on the illicit trade.Show less
