Bibliographic Information
Article Title
Museum Education and Archaeological Ethics: An Approach to the Illicit Trade of Antiquities
Journal Title
Journal of Conservation and Museum Studies
Author(s)
Argyropolous, Vasilike and Aloupi-Siotis, Eleni and Polikreti, Kyriaki and Apostolides, Rea and El Saddik, Waffa and Gottschalk, Raymund and Abd el Nazeer, Mona and Vryonidou-Yiangou, Marina and Ashdjian, Peter and Yannoulatou, Maria-Christina and Simon, Stefan and Davis, Wolfgang and Kassianidou, Vasiliki
Year of Publication
2014
Volume Number
12
Issue Number
1
Article Pages
1-8
Web Address (URL)
Additional Information
Available Through
Journal of Conservation and Museum Studies
Language
English
Notes
Abstract:
Many museum educational programs and exhibitions worldwide, designed to communicate to the public the importance of archaeology, adopt a treasure hunt approach often inspired by emblematic mass culture figures, such as Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. Alternatively they organize exhibitions on the identification of fakes in the spirit of TV series such as X-files or CSI.
These programs usually avoid dealing with a fundamental issue in archaeological practice, which pertains to the paramount importance of context and the scientific consequences of its destruction through, among others, the illicit trade of antiquities. The hesitation in promoting this sensitive topic may be due to the fact that many objects in major museum collections are often unprovenanced. Although the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums (2006, section 4.5) advises against displaying material of questionable origin, most museums do host such antiquities.
The paper explores how museums can begin to discuss the issue of context using the materials produced by the European Culture project Witness the Past (WTP): film documentaries or educational kits and related activities aimed at children on the topic of the importance of context and the destructive effects of the illicit trade of antiquities. The WTP project was implemented in three European museums as well as in Egypt and Jordan.
Taxonomies
RPA Codes & Standards
- Appropriate Dissemination of Research
- Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
- Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
- Integrity of Research Methodology
- Maintaining Continuity of Records
- Specimen and Research Record Storage
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
- Principle 4: Responsibility for the availability of archaeological results within reasonable dispatch
- Principle 5: Recognition of aspirations of employees, colleagues and helpers in all matters of employment
Keywords & Terms
- Accountability
- Adequate and Responsible Reporting, Publication, and Dissemination
- Anti-Commercialization
- Avoid, Discourage, and Report Unethical and Illegal Activity
- Continuity of Records
- Culturally Significant and/or Sacred Sites, Objects, and Places
- Dishonesty, Exaggeration, Fraud, Deceit, and/or Misrepresentation
- ICOMOS
- Impact on Communities - Local, Descendant, etc.
- International Law
- Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
- Museum, Collection, Curation and Display Standards
- Promotion of Archaeological Research/Archaeology as Scientific Discipline
- Public Interest, Collaboration, Education, and Outreach