ABSTRACT
This chapter will analyse how values are attributed to an object: it is the process of attributing values to it that turns the object into heritage. However, as we will see, definition and attribution of values to archaeological and cultural material have changed throughout history. In the specific case of underwater cultural heritage, there is a great number of interests involved in the study and valorisation of a shipwreck: a technical historian will study the vessel’s shape, an archaeologist will record the cargo and passengers, a salvor will look at the items that can be economically valuable, and an oil company will see it as an obstruction to a proposed pipeline. This chapter will analyse concepts related to heritage such as values, identity, emotion, memories, politics or ownership.
