Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
open access
2017-11-01T00:00:00Z
Looting refers to the act of digging up artifacts without the recording of the excavation, context or other activities related to archaeological excavation, either the purpose of collecting or sale...Show moreLooting refers to the act of digging up artifacts without the recording of the excavation, context or other activities related to archaeological excavation, either the purpose of collecting or sale (Hart and Chilton 2015, 319). An illicit excavation refers to the undocumented, illicitly obtained artifacts that are excavated from the ground and sold for profit (Proulx 2013, 111). This activity is a widespread action that affects all the countries in the world, in one way or another. Looting is the third largest illegal market after drugs and weapons (Szopa 2004, 56); it funds armed conflicts, denies human rights to culture, history and identity and depletes an irreplaceable resource. In this thesis I aim to show the current situation of protecting of the archaeological heritage from looting in Romania, the current state of looting activities and what are the actions undertaken by the heritage experts and institutions in order to fulfill that purpose. Furthermore, I aim to study the extent to which the activities of metal detecting are hindering the protection of archaeological sites and if those activities are illegal in terms of national or international legislation framework.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
The 1980s saw a change in the way people regarded archaeological interpretations. The realization that the public was not very interested in archaeological findings and the growth of heritage...Show moreThe 1980s saw a change in the way people regarded archaeological interpretations. The realization that the public was not very interested in archaeological findings and the growth of heritage tourism, along with a shift in theoretical perspectives, encouraged the development of new presentation methods. The use of narrative interpretations was a part of this change. Narrative interpretations are character-based interpretations that have a plot and take place in a specific setting or around a specific event. However, little research has been done on the response towards different presentation methods. The aim of this research is to find out to what extent problems that have been associated with using interpretative narratives affect the visitor’s experience. These problems are as follows: • The compromise of authenticity; • Inclusion of propaganda in the form of communal autobiographies; • Oversimplification of facts; • Inclusion or exclusion of multiple viewpoints; • “Adventurous” portrayal of archaeologists; • The use of narratives told in the present and referring to the past or narratives about the past referring to the present; • Reaching the audience. In addition, the research aims to evaluate whether interpretative narratives can be used successfully and if the public prefers them to other presentation methods. The data was collected through a survey amongst the visitors to three museums or centres that make use of interpretative narratives: the Provincial Archaeological Museum Ename, Belgium; Jorvik Viking Centre, York, The United Kingdom; and Dublinia, Dublin, Ireland. The results indicate that most of these presumed problems affect the visitors very little. However, they give cause for the reconsideration of how much space should be dedicated to displays about the process of excavation and if the archaeologist is suitable as the main character of the narrative. In general the use of interpretative narratives can be seen as successful. Most visitors prefer this presentation method to information panels. However, the results also suggest that the combination with other methods is desirable.Show less
In recent decades many European city centers have been (re)developed to accommodate the exponential growth of inhabitants. Roman remains are regularly discovered during construction processes, and...Show moreIn recent decades many European city centers have been (re)developed to accommodate the exponential growth of inhabitants. Roman remains are regularly discovered during construction processes, and their careful excavation can delay construction projects significantly. The 1992 European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage attempted to ensure the protection of archaeological heritage during urban (re)development. This has led to a rather strained relationship between urban planners and heritage managers. Better cooperation between these two stakeholders is necessary. In this thesis, key theories and concepts to improve cooperation are explored. On the basis of a mutual understanding of the similarities and differences between sociocultural and economic values, common ground can be found by the different stakeholders. Furthermore, sustainable tourism is an important concept. Recently an immense growth in cultural heritage tourism has occurred, also stimulated by the World Heritage List. Roman remains are among the most popular attractions, and are well represented on the List. Sustainable tourism is crucial to ensure long-term profit and minimal deterioration of cultural heritage. To create sustainable tourism in city centers, the theories of the ‘heritagescape’ and of the ‘experience economy’ are crucial. Attempting to create sustainable tourism in city centers with Roman remains is what will bring heritage managers and urban planners closer together. It is a common goal in which both these stakeholders’ values are represented. An investigation was conducted which consisted of a literature research and a field research. On the basis of a number of theories, the importance of sustainable heritage tourism was investigated from economic, social, and cultural perspectives. Important topics such as stakeholders, valuation, international legislation, and experience value are explored and explained. Field research was conducted in Rome (Italy), Bath (United Kingdom), and Cologne (Germany). It consisted of explorations of these city centers and interviews with the on-site heritage managers and project leaders. The information gathered was then analyzed. International regulations and valuations always need to be considered. However, through a common understanding of valuation systems of archaeological heritage it is easier to discuss the wants and needs of different stakeholders. Sustainable heritage tourism is beneficial for many parties, and represents many values. It can be created through applying the ‘heritagescape’ and the ‘experience economy’ theories. Fruitful cooperation between urban planners and heritage managers can be created by focusing on the common goal of creating sustainable heritage tourism.Show less
This thesis is written as an orientation on heritage management and archaeology in Suriname. To be able to draw conclusions on this subject, the discussion first is on theoretical insights about...Show moreThis thesis is written as an orientation on heritage management and archaeology in Suriname. To be able to draw conclusions on this subject, the discussion first is on theoretical insights about heritage management. The theoretical discussion emphasizes the western scholar perspective in heritage management as well as archaeology. This western progressivist evolutionary perspective also has its consequences for policymaking in Suriname. Decisions from the past are of influence in the present. As a result UNESCO World Heritage enlisting of the Paramaribo city centre has led to many initiatives on the level of cultural perception but also is basic to a quite heavy financial and organizational responsibility for Surinamese society. Further heritage policy making must take notion of the existing commitments but also needs orientation on what fits the market economy of the country. Both building a sense of national consciousness and responsibility for the countries vulnerable Indigenous inhabitants and their culture should be taken care of within future policy making. From the before mentioned point of view archaeology and heritage management opens new possibilities. Revitalization of archaeology within Suriname could lead to an awareness of the processes that created present day society and give greater time depth to human presence in Suriname. It has the ability to set Surinamese history stronger within the regions communal past and to create mutual understanding. To emphasize the possibilities of the discipline there should be looked at better implementation of archaeology within existing management frameworks. Also should be undertaken a better societal advertisement of archaeological work. This can only be reached by making archaeology more public within the country. In this manner valuable archaeological information will be spared and cultural perception will increase.Show less
