Additional Information

Available Through

Taylor & Francis Online

Language

English

Notes

Themed Issue: The ethics of archaeological practice in Africa

Abstract: While contract archaeology has played a significant role in South Africa, a number of ethical concerns have become evident over the years. How enabling are the legal frameworks to contract archaeologists? Whose interest are contract archaeologists serving? How well do they consult affected parties in their work? How well do they communicate their findings, with their colleagues and the public at large? What, if any, has been the role of contract archaeologists in the transformation of South African archaeology? How effective is the current accreditation system run by the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA) for contract archaeology in ensuring that specialists operate within fields in which they are experienced? This paper addresses these concerns, focusing on the ethical elements relating to contract archaeology. The aim is to illustrate that while current legislation may have gone some way toward promoting the inclusion of previously excluded communities in the management of heritage resources membership of professional bodies by contract archaeologists still does not best enhance this. ASAPA's failure to ensure that all its members abide by its code of conduct is a cause for concern and it should take steps to improve this situation.

Additional tags: African archaeology; contract archaeology; South Africa; Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA); heritage legislation

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Adequate Preparation for Research Projects
• Appropriate Dissemination of Research
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Employers and Clients
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
• Integrity of Research Methodology
• Procedures for Field Survey or Excavation

CIfA Codes

• Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
• 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
• Conflicts of Interest
• Consultation/Partnership with Affected Groups
• Employer/Client Relationships
• Funding, Employment, and/or Compensation for Work
• Impact on Communities - Local, Descendant, etc.
• Integrity of Research Methodology and Field Procedures
• Local, State, Federal, and Tribal Laws
• Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
• Professional Qualification
• Professional Standards
• Promotion of Archaeological Research/Archaeology as Scientific Discipline
• Public Interest, Collaboration, Education, and Outreach
• Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups
• Standards of Data Collection, Recordation, Analysis
• Standards of Training and Student/Teacher Responsibilities

Topics & Issues

• Archaeological Societies and Codes of Ethics
• Contract Archaeology
• Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
• Heritage Management
• Legislation and Archaeological Preservation
• Professionalism and Professional Standards
• Publishing, Citation, and Dissemination