ABSTRACT
Archaeology is a scientifi c discipline which not only reveals the evidence for the past but also questions its own results and conclusions. It argues with itself. But the practice of archaeology, whether in the fi eld or in the laboratory, is endlessly fascinating to those who peer into the methods of archaeologists through visiting sites and monuments, watching television documentaries and reading books, newspapers and magazines. Some people, in particular children, are lucky enough to experience a little of it themselves through special events put on at sites or in museums-perhaps handling real objects or trying their hands at conservation or digging. The chapters concerned with “Sharing the Past” presented in this book demonstrate a varied group of different approaches to sharing the past with other peopleapproaches which are thoughtful and thought-provoking. Some approaches and ideas are now common in different parts of the world, while others are innovative and are worthy of transfer to other regions and cultures. A good example of this is the work of Heritage Watch in Cambodia (see Chapter 17, this volume ). Discussion about this initiative always forms a part of my postgraduate course, and my students are always impressed with the comic strips which highlight the serious threats to ancient sites and artefacts.
