Additional Information

Available Through

Internet Archaeology (open access)

Language

English

Notes

Abstract: In this article we will discuss the challenges involved in presenting the looting of archaeological sites and the illicit trade in cultural property to the interested public. We will contrast our experiences of building two popular illicit antiquities-focused blogs (Things You Can't Take Back and Anonymous Swiss Collector) with the process of developing an informative academic website on the same topic (Trafficking Culture). We will discuss our motivations for starting these blogs, our struggles with the tone of the popular discourse on this topic, and our inability to escape our own emotions; why we have moved away from illicit antiquities blogging in the past year and why we are coming back. Finally, having learned from our mistakes, we will make recommendations to others wishing to engage with the public about sensitive issues via social media.

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Appropriate Dissemination of Research
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public

CIfA Codes

• Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
• Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment
• 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

• Adequate and Responsible Reporting, Publication, and Dissemination
• Looting, Collecting, and Illicit Trade of Cultural Property
• Public Interest, Collaboration, Education, and Outreach

Topics & Issues

• Antiquities Trade
• Archaeological Advocacy and Activism
• Digital Archaeology, Social Media, and Ethics Online
• Public Engagement, Outreach, and Education
• Publishing, Citation, and Dissemination
• Television Shows, Looting, and Ethics