Gandharan archaeology and prospects of cultural tourism

Fazli Sattar Durrani (University of Haripur, Pakistan); Iffat Ahmad, (Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan)

Abstract

The region of gandhra is the main land of Khyberpukhtunkhawa province of Pakistan and some part is situated in Afghanistan also.It flourished from 2nd century bc to 460ad for the Bhudhist art but before this since 1900 bc it was the land of Mahabaharat and ghandhar grave culture. At its bloom it was visited by the Chinese pilgram in 5th century AD and they recorded1400 live monasteries and Bhudhist settlements in Gandhara Region.

Out of all these so far 200 sites are discovered and the remainig are still mystry for the archaeologist.

the Land of Gandhar today have all the tangible and natural heritage and have strong potential to be the tourism hub for the tourist, followers of bhudhism and researchers along with common tourist.this third world country have strong chances of economic growth by utlising these cultural assets which were later enriched by Hindhu, Muslim and colonial cultural Heritage also.The main centre Takht Bhai and Taxila are world heritage site and some are on the tentative list also.This archaelogical wealth and assets can be a source of change for this region and will intiate anew era of economic development if properly explored. Swat is also a major part .

 

The past on parade: tourism, archaeology, and narratives

Morag M. Kersel (DePaul University, United States of America); Yorke M. Rowan (University of Chicago, United States of America)

Abstract

At times fast friends and at others antagonistic associates, the interconnected nature of tourism and archaeology is well known. The narratives developed from such partnerships range widely, from carefully considered, collaborative models to incoherent ad hoc development schemes at individual sites. In many countries, tourism is a fast growing economic sector, creating jobs and foreign exchange. As a key source of employment, tourism enlists archaeology to establish narratives about ancient people, and at times, to establish the link of present day people to those ancient people. Case studies will consider how archaeology is used to reify narratives of past grandeur, obfuscate unwanted pasts, or appeal to particular types of tourists. This session will attempt to address the question: Can tourism and archaeology exist in harmony or do the overriding, competing concerns of the various interest groups, and the potential economic benefits, take precedence when presenting the past to the public? We invite papers to assess presentations of the past and to consider which public, and whose past determine the end goal when archaeology becomes entangled with tourism.

 

States of emergency: rescue archaeology in organizational perspectives

Daniel D. Shoup (University of Bologna, Italy); Luca Zan (University of Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

Rescue archaeology today accounts for most global archaeological activity. As the strongest point of contact between heritage professionals, government agencies, private enterprises, and the public. The organizational and administrative aspects of rescue archaeology have serious implications for the discipline as a whole. Our session will explore the tension between bureaucratic routines and the emergent, unpredictable needs of rescue excavations. We welcome submissions that explore any of the following issues:

• Resources: what is the correlation between funding, staffing, and outcomes?
• Organization: among the diverse management models, which are most effective?
• Accessibility: are results made available to the public?
• Data and methodology: rescue methodologies collect data differently from research excavations, hiding some and revealing others. How can we address & improve data collection in rescue events?
• Regulation and unanticipated emergencies: how do different legal and regulatory structures cope with the “emergent” dialectics of rescue excavation?
• Governmentality and politics: is rescue archaeology a form of ‘governmentality’? How does it influence politics, and vice versa?

The session will focus on case studies and their implications, with short presentations (10-15 minutes) followed by in-depth discussion. Participating authors will be asked to circulate papers in advance to deepen the conversation.

 

The cultural tourism industry and sustainable heritage in times of crisis

Stella Souvatzi (Hellenic Open University); Athena Hadji (Open University of Cyprus)

Abstract

This session seeks to investigate archaeological sites and landscapes as objects of cultural heritage and tourist consumption, often created through perceptions and strategies involving a transformation of their initial identity as well as conflicts of interest and understanding between heritage industry and archaeology.

Specifically, the development and marketing of archaeological sites is often aimed at creating landscapes for consumption by a leisured class of tourists rather than accommodating the knowledge provided by archaeologists or the needs of local communities. At the same time, cultural tourism is based on the consumption of an idea of innocence, a return to the original represented by antiquities and a means to experience imagined communities. This may become a focus of conflict between tourists, archaeologists and real communities, especially in times of crisis.

We welcome papers that address critically one or more of the above issues. Questions of particular interest include: the identity that archaeological sites and landscapes acquire through modern promotional campaigns and tourism; strategies of site commodification, objectification and representation in public and popular imagery; archaeological sites as theme parks, and archaeology as a leisure activity; the quest for ‘authenticity’ by contemporary urban nomads; and the interaction of host and guest.

 

Symbols and motifs: on terracotta and other miniature objects

Omprakash Srivastav (Aligarh Muslim, India)

Abstract

Language in itself is a symbol. Correlating material culture whether of a miniature object or any built structure with a specific identity is a challenging task before archaeologists and historians. Art and religion constitute a significant factor in civilization. Symbols define how members of a culture identify and relate to one another.

Archaeologists/historian define this material culture based on various attributes of artefacts. Humans would essentially be even less organized in groups without the sets of symbols that are associated with each culture.

We will be specifically discussing terracotta objects and symbols on them. They are casually described in any excavation report as minor objects like human figurines, animal figurines, amulets, beads, bangles, toys, tools, seals, panels, pottery discs, cake, indeterminate artefacts and other small objects of daily use etc. These objects are significant for study because they play a pivotal role in the society. Such mini but very important objects also help us in perception and construction of our past. Papers in this session will discuss the following topics: symbols and motifs, paintings, inscriptions, graffiti marks and incised, embossed or impressed designs and their techniques.

 

Site museums with a global appeal

Konstantinos D. Politis, (Hellenic Society for Near Eastern Studies, Greece); Georgios A. Papaioannou, (Hellenic Society for Near Eastern Studies, Greece); Tammam Khasawneh, (The Jordan Museum, Jordan)

Abstract

There are site museums on many archaeological sites throughout the world. They store and display finds related to ancient cultures from archaeological sites in their immediate environs. But when they encompass unique geographical, environmental, religious, cultural and/or other heritage features of worldwide significance, these site museums can have a global appeal.

This session welcomes presentations on site museums, relevant research and posters on archaeological site museums with a universal interest. It is also intended to examine relevant issues and explore methods of inter-museum co-operation with an international perspective.

A comprehensive case-study will be presented of the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth in Safi, Jordan. This new museum at the south-eastern end of the Dead Sea was formally opened on 18 April 2012 (International Museum Day) and is a prime example of a site museum with a global appeal.