Search

The author provides an outlook on professional archaeology in Great Britain in 2015. He offers a brief history of professional archaeology in the region with emphasis on the impact of the global economic crisis in 2008 on archaeology practice. He highlights some of the laws and regulations governing archaeological practices. He believes that the future of professional archaeology will be dependent on the economic climate.

The article focuses on public archaeology within the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). The authors explain that archaeologists can work at parks under the Archaeological Resource Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA), explores the first archaeological preserve created by U.S. President William Henry Harrison in 1892, and presents a case study of public archaeology by the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (GUCO).

Generating new knowledge in rescue archaeology is the prime goal regardless of which system is dominant. The market-oriented ‘capitalist’ model does not generate new knowledge in an adequate way, because it is volatile and prone to crises, and often detached from a wider up-to-date scientific environment. The ‘Dutch’ model presented by Van de Dries as a compromise between the state-financed ‘socialist’ and ‘capitalist’ models is here criticized. It is suggested that the Norwegian and Swedish state-supported models hold the greatest potential. A further point is that large museums or university museums may be the best place to locate excavation units as it is only there that we can play out in full the potential for knowledge production and management, processing as well as disseminating material culture as more than just texts. Generating knowledge at museums, from research-oriented field work to research-generating exhibitions involves the local authorities in a better way than does the Dutch model. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Il Capitale Culturale: Studies on the Value of Cultural Heritage is the property of Il Capitale Culturale Studies on the Value of Cultural Heritage and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses the highlights of the conferences "First Italian Congress on Public Archaeology" on October 29 to 30, 2012 organized by the University of Florence and "Public Archaeology in a Time of Crisis" on November 29 to 30, 2012. Topics covered include bridging the gaps in Italian legislation in relation to cultural landscapes and heritage and the significance of archaeological professions and public engagement, and partnership among local authorities, universities and foundations.

The article discusses the protection and enforcement of cultural values. Details of the "Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict" are given. The adoption of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) convention by various states and illegal excavations are explored alongside the notions of property ownership and property of others. The author explains the roles of art smugglers and curators as they relate to cultural and geographic boundaries. Additional topics discussed include the politics of diggings, an Etruscan excavation site in Italy, intellectual value, and archaeological research.

The article discusses on the significance of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) towards archaeologists and the archaeology profession as a whole. According to the author, NHPA is a significant legislation in so far as the profession is concerned; however, it did not get the due attention from archaeologists. NHPA gave archaeologists more responsibility which include evaluation of cultural sites threatened by federal undertakings.

The Preservation, Conservation and Dissemination of Archaeological Heritage: the Case of Costa Rica. The National Archaeological Commission is responsible for overseeing the application of Law 6703 of December 1981, the Law for the Protection and Conservation of the National Archaeological Heritage. It has given itself the task of presenting a strong opposition to the decision adopted in October of 1999 against the conduct of preventative work (salvage) to adequately protect and conserve the national archaeological heritage. We wish to share some of the criticisms brought forth before the various administrative and judicial authorities of the country around the question that archaeology in Costa Rica is faced with. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the cultural resource management (CRM) legislation in the U.S. that was implemented for the management of cultural resources and heritage in the country. It explores the changes in the manner by which the CRM is implemented when professional archaeologists have been integrated into the business sector as private consultants. It also presents some examples of problems encountered after a CRM contract is in effect, and examines archaeologists' authority limitations. The author believes that in order for professional archaeological consultants to professionally represent their clients, they must enable clients to comply with the recommendations of the regulatory agency.

An editorial on issues concerning public archaeology is presented. The authors comment on the failed bid for the Crosby Garrett Roman cavalry helmet discovered in Cumbria, England. They discuss the provisions of the Treasure Act in Great Britain. They address the debate over the location of the Babri Mosque in India.

The article discusses rule proposals by Turkey's Culture and Tourism Ministry that would put restrictions on foreign-led excavations in Turkey, including those already underway. Topics include the reaction by Turkish and foreign archeologists over the proposed rules, which include the appointment of a Turkish co-director for each dig, and the reasons for the revised rules, including shortening the length of time archeologists take to complete excavations and publish results.

The author reflects on the challenges faced by archaeologists in the U.S. in their integration into the market. He notes that while some survive the pressures in archaeological consultancy, many failed to continue their business. He also remarks on the introduction of the so called "three-party relationship,"wherein the federal or state agency is required by law to oversee the archaeological resources, the archaeologists, and the client who plans to pursue certain modification project.