This study investigates the representation of prehistoric heritage and archaeology in the education system and social media platforms on Barbados. Despite previously conducted studies on Caribbean...Show moreThis study investigates the representation of prehistoric heritage and archaeology in the education system and social media platforms on Barbados. Despite previously conducted studies on Caribbean prehistory, there remains a significant gap in understanding the material culture and traditions of the pre-colonial populations of Barbados. This research aims to address this gap by exploring how prehistoric heritage is covered in school curricula and on Barbadian social media platforms. The study starts with a brief explanation of the history of Barbados, a Caribbean island located on the eastern side of the Lesser Antilles. The research then delves into its educational and heritage management systems, and discusses the various activities and exhibitions present at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society (BMHS), a museum situated in Bridgetown that covers various (pre)historical subjects in exhibitions and organizes interesting activities regarding local (pre-)colonial heritage. The research applies various methods, combining literary research with data from questionnaires distributed to residents of Barbados and tourists visiting the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. The questionnaire examines the public's knowledge, the sources of information and foreknowledge, and their general interest in prehistoric heritage and archaeology. The results of this study reveal that coverage of prehistoric heritage in Barbados' education system is minimal, with an emphasis present on the colonial period. However, there is a noticeable public interest in pre-colonial history, particularly among the younger respondents. A conclusion that can be drawn from these results, is that there is potential for a more active cooperation between educational institutions and cultural organizations such as the BMHS, to improve the spread of knowledge of prehistoric heritage and create a more balanced representation of Barbados' (pre-colonial) heritage in educational systems and on social media. Recommendations for further research include creating (more) subjects covering Barbadian prehistory and archaeology in the national school curricula and making these topics tangible by yearly excursions and using social media for educational purposes, in order to encourage a better understanding and appreciation of the island's rich and diverse past among its residents and visiting tourists.Show less
This thesis concerns research into underwater cultural heritage management (hereafter UCHM) in the Caribbean Netherlands after the 10th of October 2010, the day when Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius...Show moreThis thesis concerns research into underwater cultural heritage management (hereafter UCHM) in the Caribbean Netherlands after the 10th of October 2010, the day when Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius became special municipalities of the Netherlands. The research encompasses an overview of the known and unknown (expected) underwater cultural resources, based on the history of the islands, its natural environment, archaeological research, and information dispersed by marine parks and diving organisations. Secondly, a legal framework has been created and shows to what extent national laws and local bylaws provide protection of underwater cultural heritage, and how international treaties (such as the 1992 Valletta Convention and the 2001 UNESCO Convention) herein play part. Third, an overview of stakeholders is presented, including the way in which they are involved with UCHM; it concerns mainly the municipalities, governmental institutions, archaeological institutions, marine parks and diving organisations. This research provides an overview of the above; given that until present not much is known about the processes of UCHM in the Caribbean Netherlands. Despite the fact that underwater research in the past has shown that such heritage has to be protected against different threats (such as looting or infrastructural developments), its measures are not completely examined. Therefore, this research encompasses the measures that have been taken by means of legislation and other management tools, such as spatial planning, policy, collaboration, distribution of knowledge and public support. In addition, the tasks of the government and the contribution of archaeological institutions are examined. This contains the publishing of research, storage of finds and documentation, the use of databases, public outreach and quality standards for archaeology. The research ends with a discussion in which it becomes clear to what extent UCHM in the Caribbean Netherlands has made progress, and in which spheres it can be improved.Show less
