ABSTRACT

Scrutinizing, in detail, the relationship between archaeology, heritage and the public, this much-needed volume explores public interest and participation in archaeology as a subject worthy of academic attention in its own right.

Examining case studies from throughout the world; from North America, Britain, Egypt and Brazil to East Africa, China and beyond, Nick Merriman focuses on two key areas: communication and interpretation, and stakeholders.

Constant reports of new discoveries, protests over the destruction of sites and debates over the return of artefacts such as the Elgin marbles or indigenous remains testify to an increasing public interest in archaeology.

For students and scholars of this archaeology, and of its relationship with the public, this will prove essential reading.

 

chapter 1|18 pages

INTRODUCTION

Diversity and dissonance in public archaeology

part |2 pages

PART I Spreading the word: communication and interpretation

chapter 3|26 pages

ARCHAEOLOGY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION IN NORTH AMERICA

View from the beginning of the millennium

chapter 5|23 pages

UNCOVERING ANCIENT EGYPT

The Petrie Museum and its public

chapter 6|13 pages

PRESENTING ARCHAEOLOGY TO THE PUBLIC

Constructing insights on-site

chapter 7|14 pages

ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE BRITISH MEDIA

chapter 8|30 pages

TOWARDS A MORE DEMOCRATIC ARCHAEOLOGY?

The Internet and public archaeological practice

part |2 pages

Part II IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST? The stakeholders

chapter 13|15 pages

ARCHAEOLOGY IN REVERSE

The flow of Aboriginal people and their remains through the space of New South Wales

chapter 14|17 pages

THE COMFORTS OF UNREASON

The importance and relevance of alternative archaeology

chapter 15|20 pages

THE TREASURE ACT AND THE PORTABLE ANTIQUITIES SCHEME

A case study in developing public archaeology