Classical past and its material evocations continue to play a vital role in both Greek national imagination and the collective subconscious of Greek society. At the same time, racial discrimination...Show moreClassical past and its material evocations continue to play a vital role in both Greek national imagination and the collective subconscious of Greek society. At the same time, racial discrimination and xenophobic feelings are on the rise due to recent increase in migration and refugee flows mainly from Asia and Africa. Still, the colonial undercurrents concerning the connection of Greece with classical antiquity and its more recent Ottoman past are in a considerable degree unrecognized. The analytical tools available in postcolonial archaeology and its broader theoretical framework offer a more nuanced comprehension of colonialism and its complex nature and effects. Drawing therefore upon postcolonial studies, this thesis examines the development of archaeology in Ottoman Greece in conjunction with colonialist and nationalist discourses and practices, and critiques the colonial reverberations evident in present archaeological research.Show less
Objects can be such strange and wondrous curiosities. We see and use hundreds of objects every single day, and yet how much do we actually know about these objects that have such a strong influence...Show moreObjects can be such strange and wondrous curiosities. We see and use hundreds of objects every single day, and yet how much do we actually know about these objects that have such a strong influence and control over our daily lives? Where have these objects come from, how did they come to be what they are today? What and why, are the bonds and relationships we make with objects, without even consciously realizing how dependent we are on certain items? This thesis takes an inspiring journey through the realm of objects, dissecting the various approaches and theories that have been developed and discussed through the years; on how to uncover the social lives of objects and how they are intricately linked to the social lives of people and can act as foils for self-definition (Hoskins, 1999: 7). Not only will this thesis be discussing the theories behind objects but also objects themselves and how there are in fact several different categories and classification of objects and how an objects meaning and function can fluctuate via shifts in context. To demonstrate an objects ability to change appearance and function this thesis will also encompass a case study; which will document the changing face of the Parthenon revealing its rich and diverse history since its creation in 5th century Athens. This case study also serves as an example of how one can construct a social biography for an object following the writings of Kopytoff (1986). It is also the point of this thesis, in relation to the Parthenon and other Acropolis monuments to discuss, a topic that is close to the heart of every object and material culture, the notion of heritage and what and can be deemed world heritage. With all being said and done this thesis is a true dedication to the social and cultural lives of objects; the wandering witnesses through time and space.Show less
Analyzing the acquisition policies of museums is an important way to understand how the legal as well as ethical standards have evolved since 1970. Museums were influenced by these changing...Show moreAnalyzing the acquisition policies of museums is an important way to understand how the legal as well as ethical standards have evolved since 1970. Museums were influenced by these changing standards: What could be bought legally some years ago can no longer be bought legally today. This has to do with how the legal and ethical standards evolved. Furthermore, it is evident from the research that museums have understood that they can no longer buy unprovenanced antiquities and, for this reason, have published acquisition policies and declarations. The year 1970 can be seen as the turning point in the protection of antiquities. In this year, the first ethical codes were published by museums as well as the ICOM Code of Ethics; and in November 1970 the UNESCO Convention was put into effect. This thesis analyzes the acquisition policy of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and compares it with other major museums.Show less
This thesis highlights Baron W.H.J. van Westreenen van Tiellandt (1783-1848) as a collector of antiquities in early nineteenth century Holland. The professionalising of science during the...Show moreThis thesis highlights Baron W.H.J. van Westreenen van Tiellandt (1783-1848) as a collector of antiquities in early nineteenth century Holland. The professionalising of science during the Enlightenment era had a considerable impact on the study of antiquity as well. Take for example Winckelmann’s history of antique art, and the late eighteenth century Altertumswissenschaft incorporating all facets of the classical world (texts, inscriptions and material remains). The latter movement, which also found its way to Holland, strongly contributed to the genesis of the academic archaeological discipline in Leiden in 1818. Moreover, partly due to the Romantic movement in the first half of the nineteenth century and the involvement of institutionalised museums of antiquity, the rather patriotic approach to antiquity gradually took the upper hand over focussing on the splendour of the classical Mediterranean context which had dominated the antiquarian world before. The longstanding humanist tradition of studying classical remains in their native context increasingly gained adherents and was also supported by the first professor of archaeology, C.J.C. Reuvens (1793-1835). But how exactly does Van Westreenen fit as a collector in this fascinating period of shifting receptions of and approaches to antiquity? Although a bibliophile at heart, he was also charmed by classical material culture in general and more specifically, like Reuvens, those unearthed on Dutch soil. In this thesis the involvements of Van Westreenen in the study of the Roman settlement Arentsburg and the Roman fort Brittenburg are treated and compared to Reuvens’, serving as a benchmark of contemporary scientific archaeological research. This study exposes the differences and similarities in their methodology and perception of antiquity and places them in the reshaping political and cultural climate of the early nineteenth century. Finally Van Westreenen’s collecting policy is analysed diachronically, based on his handwritten Catalogue des livres, manuscrits et antiquites. This catalogue describes his acquisitions of 264 Roman antiquities between 1797 and 1835 and allows for a study of Van Westreenen’s underlying rationale of collecting antiquities.Show less
The museum over time has undergone many changes. Its meaning and role have altered frequently according to the social and cultural structure of each era. Its activities have enriched sharing...Show moreThe museum over time has undergone many changes. Its meaning and role have altered frequently according to the social and cultural structure of each era. Its activities have enriched sharing knowledge not only within the scientific community but also with all kinds of visitors. The educational programs are one of the newer activities of museums that allow children, the roots of society, to learn about the historical past through external education. The specific research, in what way can an archaeological museum organize the educational programs in order to introduce children to the cultural past, is based on two museums; the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden and the Archaeological Museum of Sparta. For this purpose, archival research and a lot of interviews with the museum professionals and the museum visitors were conducted. Different people from different posts and with different views were asked to talk about and evaluate the educational programs. In the end, a new educational program for the Archaeological Museum of Sparta is proposed. This new three stage program, consisting of visit preparation, the visit itself and activities at school, is influenced by the programs of the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. It is designed to be easily adapted for local museums yet still provides the same educational benefits for national museums.Show less
