Convenors: Anna Wessman (Norway) and Suzie Thomas (Belgium)
The values associated with and placed upon (archaeological) heritage vary from area to area, from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and from community to community. Professional archaeologists often have a different relationship to the material (and immaterial) past than, for example, Indigenous communities, enthusiasts of particular art forms (e.g. metal music genres), finder-collectors (such as metal-detectorists) or heritage practice communities (such as local heritage societies or voluntary site stewards). In this theme, we encourage sessions to explore the diverse means by which (archaeological) heritage is engaged with, whether through participatory community archaeology projects, traditional and spiritual practices, popular cultural experiences, visitor interactions, or in other forms.
Sessions within this Theme could consider but not be limited to the following questions:
- What best practices can be recommended for bridging the gap between professional (paid) archaeologists and their publics?
- How do different groups interact with and create personal (or community) meaning from heritage sites?
- How does (archaeological) heritage influence identity politics?
- To what extent can and do individuals exert personal or collective ownership over archaeological objects and sites?
In recognition of the possibility of many ‘archaeologies’, ‘heritages’ and indeed communities, we encourage a broad perspective and understanding of these terms.
Contacts:
Prof Anna Wessman
University of Bergen, Norway
anna.wessman@uib.no
Prof Suzie Thomas
University of Antwerp, Belgium
suzie.thomas@uantwerpen.be
THEME 14 SESSIONS
T14/Session 01: Archaeology, Local History, and Cultural Memory: Decolonising Practices and Exploring Many Voices of the Past [This session is now closed]
T14/Session 03: Folk Culture, Myth, Practices, Vernacular Architecture and Art History: Journey Through the Ages [This session is now closed]
T14/Session 05: Collaborative and Community Archaeology
T14/Session 06: The Dilemma of Disharmony at Heritage Sites, Museums and Historic Towns
T14/Session 07: Beyond Archaeological Heritage Hierarchy: Steps to a Decolonised Archaeology
T14/Session 11: Exploring and Engaging with Heritage, Identity, and Communities in the Himalayas
T14/Session 12: Bodies in the Field: A Reflexive Enquiry of Archaeological Practice
T14/Session 13: Indigenous Knowledges, Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
T14/Session 15: Multivocal Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Research in West Asia