Bibliographic Information
Article Title
Field Archaeologists as Eyewitnesses to Site Looting
Journal Title
Arts
Author(s)
Blythe Allison Bowman Balestrieri
Month of Publication
September
Year of Publication
2018
Volume Number
7
Issue Number
3
Web Address (URL)
Additional Information
Available Through
MDPI
Language
English
Notes
Abstract:
In a recent worldwide study on the nature, scope, and frequency of archaeological site looting, the vast majority of field archaeologists reported having had multiple encounters with archaeological site looters both on- and off-site. Despite the criminalization of looting in most countries’ domestic statutory schemes, nearly half of surveyed field archaeologists do not report looting activity to external law enforcement or archaeological authorities when they encounter it. The rationales for their actions—or inactions—are examined within a criminological framework, and field archaeologists’ perspectives on looters as “criminals” and “victims” are explored. The paper concludes with a consideration that the criminalization of looting creates an emergent duty to report among archaeologists, and how they choose to address site looting changes their role in and relationship to the trade in illicitly obtained antiquities.
Taxonomies
RPA Codes & Standards
CIfA Codes
- Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
- Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment
- Principle 3: Responsibility for acquiring and recording reliable information of the past in archaeological research
Keywords & Terms
- Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
- Preservation of Archaeological Resources
- Professional Standards