- The University of Sheffield, Department of Archaeology, AlumnusUniversity of Glasgow, Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research, Department MemberUniversity of York, Archaeology, Department Memberadd
- Museum and Heritage Studies, Illicit Antiquities Trade, Volunteers, volunteering, & voluntarism, Community Archaeology, Archaeology and Metal Detecting, Heritage Crime, and 27 morePublic Archaeology, Heritage Education, Heritage Studies, Cultural Heritage Law, Battlefield Heritage Management and Metal Detecting, Metal-Detecting and Archaeology, Cultural Property, Cultural Property Law, Border Studies, Ethnographic Methods, Community archaeology and heritage interpretation, Portable Antiquities Scheme, Museum Studies, Cultural, Community Music, Community Cultural Development, Museum Outreach, Occupational Therapy, Music Health, Music Therapy, Health and well being, History of Archaeology, Archaeology, UNESCO world heritage, Museology, Community-based Heritage Tourism, and Protection of Cultural Heritage from Illicit Trafficking, Repatriation of Antiquitiesedit
- I'm university lecturer in museum studies at the University of Helsinki, Finland. My research interests include archa... moreI'm university lecturer in museum studies at the University of Helsinki, Finland. My research interests include archaeology and metal detecting, dark heritage, museum studies and university pedagogy, and community archaeology.edit
Heritage crime is an area of growing interest for scholars, but also for enforcement agencies and heritage managers, as well as the communities affected. Whether it is the looting of cultural objects, theft of lead from churches, or... more
Heritage crime is an area of growing interest for scholars, but also for enforcement agencies and heritage managers, as well as the communities affected. Whether it is the looting of cultural objects, theft of lead from churches, or vandalism of historic monuments, this timely collection brings together debate and international examples to demonstrate the diversity but also commonality of heritage crime across the globe.
With international contributions from archaeology, criminology, law, heritage management and policing, the volume presents case studies from countries as diverse as Peru, the UK, South Africa and Cyprus. At a time when government agencies and media around the world are increasingly taking note of the implications of criminal activity for cultural heritage, this collection is the first to address the heritage crime problem in such an in-depth and holistic manner.
With international contributions from archaeology, criminology, law, heritage management and policing, the volume presents case studies from countries as diverse as Peru, the UK, South Africa and Cyprus. At a time when government agencies and media around the world are increasingly taking note of the implications of criminal activity for cultural heritage, this collection is the first to address the heritage crime problem in such an in-depth and holistic manner.
Research Interests:
Across the world public archaeology, the way in which it is understood as well as the way it is practised or delivered, has many facets. In some countries it is not only unknown, but is actively discouraged; in many other places it has... more
Across the world public archaeology, the way in which it is understood as well as the way it is practised or delivered, has many facets. In some countries it is not only unknown, but is actively discouraged; in many other places it has been embraced fully and is considered normal practice, whether this appears in the form of so-called "community archaeology", active school and college programmes, (re)thinking the strategies of museums, or as simply encouraging on-site visits and demonstrations during archaeological fieldwork. However, in a difficult economic climate public archaeology is often adversely affected; funding cuts can mean changes in priorities for heritage organisations and local and national governments, and even to the loss of entire projects.
This volume examines the various facets of public archaeology practice globally, and the factors which are currently affecting it, together with the question of how different publics and communities engage with their archaeological heritage. With case studies from across the globe, ranging from Canada to Turkmenistan and from Ireland to Argentina, it presents a contemporary snapshot of public participation in archaeology, covering both successful initiatives and the threats posed to such opportunities by local, regional and global changes. Particular strands addressed are international models; archaeology and education; archaeology and tourism; and site management and conservation.
This volume examines the various facets of public archaeology practice globally, and the factors which are currently affecting it, together with the question of how different publics and communities engage with their archaeological heritage. With case studies from across the globe, ranging from Canada to Turkmenistan and from Ireland to Argentina, it presents a contemporary snapshot of public participation in archaeology, covering both successful initiatives and the threats posed to such opportunities by local, regional and global changes. Particular strands addressed are international models; archaeology and education; archaeology and tourism; and site management and conservation.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Public Archaeology, Museum Studies, Heritage Studies, Community Engagement & Participation, and 9 moreMuseum Education, Museology, Community Archaeology, Community-based Heritage Tourism, Museums and Pedagogy, Educational Programs, Archaeology and the Public, Archaeology and Education, Museum Education and Communication, and Community Stewardship
In November 2015, the SAA Board of Directors established a Task Force to (1) define appropriate relationships among professional archaeologists, avocational archaeologists, and artifact collectors; (2) develop a position statement on the... more
In November 2015, the SAA Board of Directors established a Task Force to (1) define appropriate relationships among professional archaeologists, avocational archaeologists, and artifact collectors; (2) develop a position statement on the subject for dissemination by SAA; and (3) suggest concrete actions to promote the statement’s message. After a three-year process of study and exchange of ideas between the Task Force and the Board, in summer 2018, the Board ratified and published on the SAA website the “Society for American Archaeology Statement on Collaboration with Responsible and Responsive Stewards of the Past.” This paper summarizes the process of developing the statement, relates the results of a 249-stakeholder review of an initial statement draft, and shares the finalized statement and associated SAA-recommended actions to further the statement’s principles.
Research Interests:
The Second World War left considerable material remains in Finnish Lapland, ranging from remnants of structures destroyed in the 1944-45 Lapland War, through to small artefacts connected to soldiers, prisoners of war and civilians. These... more
The Second World War left considerable material remains in Finnish Lapland, ranging from remnants of structures destroyed in the 1944-45 Lapland War, through to small artefacts connected to soldiers, prisoners of war and civilians. These material remains have variously been saved and cherished by survivors and their families, forgotten or disregarded as 'war junk', 'discovered' by hob-byists, amassed and exchanged by private collectors, and/or accessioned into official museum collections. These various processes represent engagements with material culture of war that take on various meanings and embodiments, depending on the different individuals and organizations involved. We have conducted interviews with different individuals engaging with Lapland's wartime history, and observed the treatment of material culture, for example through exhibitions (both public and private) or through personal meaning-making practices. While some objects become accessioned to state-sanctioned collections, others remain 'officially' unknown and unrecognized (although known-even exchanged-through private channels). We discuss how different values and practices of treating the material war heritage emerge, depending on the actors involved, reflecting and reconstructing the culture commemoration.
Research Interests:
In 2007, the residents of the village of Comrie, Scotland, collectively bought the site of Cultybraggan Camp and nearby hillside land through a ‘community buy-out’ scheme under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. A Development Trust,... more
In 2007, the residents of the village of Comrie, Scotland, collectively bought the site of Cultybraggan Camp and nearby hillside land through a ‘community buy-out’ scheme under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. A Development Trust, made up primarily of voluntary trustees from the village, manages the site. It has goals of promoting environmental awareness as well as the site’s unique cultural heritage. Cultybraggan’s history as a prisoner of war camp during the Second World War intended to hold ‘hardcore’ Nazi prisoners, and then as a Ministry of Defense training camp engenders mixed feelings from residents and visitors alike. In this article, we reflect on our findings from ethnographic and public archaeology fieldwork in summer 2017. We use the case study of Cultybraggan to problematize the concept of community ownership of cultural heritage sites, especially those perceived as having a difficult or controversial history.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore critically various sources of data available on heritage crime, and consider how these may be utilised and improved. Design/methodology/approach – This study is primarily a scoping review... more
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore critically various sources of data available on heritage
crime, and consider how these may be utilised and improved.
Design/methodology/approach – This study is primarily a scoping review of the current heritage crime
data climate, embedding examples from a range of existing and potential information sources. It highlights
opportunities to improve data resources.
Findings – A lack of consistency in reporting and recording practices means there is little meaningful
evidence about heritage crime trends and patterns. This needs to change in order to develop and evaluate
appropriate strategies to reduce the problem of heritage crime nationally and internationally.
Research limitations/implications – It is hoped that urging improvement of data resources in the
heritage crime sector will inspire a greater number of researchers to analyse and address key problems within
heritage crime.
Practical implications – This paper encourages the development of new and improved data collection
methods to foster effective assessment of existing heritage crime reduction schemes and better support
victims of heritage crime.
Social implications – Increasing availability and accessibility of high-quality data on heritage crime would
allow for developing better protections and resource allocation for vulnerable heritage.
Originality/value – This paper has drawn together, for the first time, evidence of the existing state of affairs
of data availability within heritage crime. It is a position paper which encourages the development of
improved recording and reporting practices both formally and informally across heritage and criminal justice
sectors in order to support further research and understanding of the heritage crime problem.
Keywords Theft, Data, Criminal damage, Dark figure, Heritage crime
Paper type Conceptual paper
crime, and consider how these may be utilised and improved.
Design/methodology/approach – This study is primarily a scoping review of the current heritage crime
data climate, embedding examples from a range of existing and potential information sources. It highlights
opportunities to improve data resources.
Findings – A lack of consistency in reporting and recording practices means there is little meaningful
evidence about heritage crime trends and patterns. This needs to change in order to develop and evaluate
appropriate strategies to reduce the problem of heritage crime nationally and internationally.
Research limitations/implications – It is hoped that urging improvement of data resources in the
heritage crime sector will inspire a greater number of researchers to analyse and address key problems within
heritage crime.
Practical implications – This paper encourages the development of new and improved data collection
methods to foster effective assessment of existing heritage crime reduction schemes and better support
victims of heritage crime.
Social implications – Increasing availability and accessibility of high-quality data on heritage crime would
allow for developing better protections and resource allocation for vulnerable heritage.
Originality/value – This paper has drawn together, for the first time, evidence of the existing state of affairs
of data availability within heritage crime. It is a position paper which encourages the development of
improved recording and reporting practices both formally and informally across heritage and criminal justice
sectors in order to support further research and understanding of the heritage crime problem.
Keywords Theft, Data, Criminal damage, Dark figure, Heritage crime
Paper type Conceptual paper
Research Interests:
Archaeology and material cultural heritage enjoys a particular status as a form of heritage that, capturing the public imagination, has become the locus for the expression and negotiation of regional, national, and intra-national cultural... more
Archaeology and material cultural heritage enjoys a particular status as a form of heritage that, capturing the public imagination, has become the locus for the expression and negotiation of regional, national, and intra-national cultural identities. One important question is: why and how do contemporary people engage with archaeological heritage objects, artefacts, information or knowledge outside the realm of an professional, academically-based archaeology? This question is investigated here from the perspective of theoretical considerations based on Yuri Lotman's semiosphere theory, which helps to describe the connections between the centre and peripheries of professional archaeology as sign structures. The centre may be defined according to prevalent scientific paradigms, while periphery in the space of creolisation in which, through interactions with other culturally more distant sign structures, archaeology-related non-professional communities emerge. On the basis of these considerations, we use collocation analysis on representative English language corpora to outline the structure of the field of archaeology-related non-professional communities, identify salient creolised peripheral spaces and archaeology-related practices, and develop a framework for further investigation of archaeological knowledge production and reuse in the context of global archaeology.
Research Interests:
In this short article, I start with a brief overview of the local history of the area that we have studies, and then describe different examples of 'dark heritage' engagement that we have encountered. What they mean for future treatment... more
In this short article, I start with a brief overview of the local history of the area that we have studies, and then describe different examples of 'dark heritage' engagement that we have encountered. What they mean for future treatment of the wartime material heritage in Finnish Lapland remains to be seen.
Research Interests:
In his paper 'Quantitative analysis of open-source data on metal detecting for cultural property', Samuel Hardy suggested that permissive policy is ineffective in minimizing the damage done to cultural heritage by non-professional metal... more
In his paper 'Quantitative analysis of open-source data on metal detecting for cultural property', Samuel Hardy suggested that permissive policy is ineffective in minimizing the damage done to cultural heritage by non-professional metal detecting. This response paper contests the basic assumptions upon which this analysis is based. While Hardy's comparative, quantitative approach is laudable, it is founded in a biased and simplistic outlook on the metal detecting phenomenon. As the papers in this Topical Issue demonstrate1, non-professional metal detecting (and other forms of prospecting) for archaeological artefacts is a contentious issue throughout the world, not least in Europe. Legal and policy approaches towards this activity differ greatly across jurisdictions, ranging from highly restrictive to permissive or even supportive. Professional attitudes towards metal detecting have been similarly divided and have been mostly internal to the different European countries and legislations since the Valletta Convention of 1992. Opinions are often polarised and based on ethical standpoints and even emotive arguments rather than a thorough understanding of the background, practices and impacts of non-professional metal detecting.2 1 See Open Archaeology 2016, vol. 2, issue 1. 2 We use the terms 'non-professional', 'hobby', 'leisure' and 'amateur' detecting/detectorists as interchangeable terms throughout this paper, to distinguish the practice from both the use of metal detectors by professional archaeologists in the field, and by illicit detector users driven primarily by financial motivations.
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The University of Helsinki has made significant changes to its educational frameworks and degree programmes. For museum studies the changes have been particularly far-reaching. From autumn 2017 onwards there has been a reduction in the... more
The University of Helsinki has made significant changes to its educational frameworks and degree programmes. For museum studies the changes have been particularly far-reaching. From autumn 2017 onwards there has been a reduction in the total number of study credits available, but also a move from bachelors- to masters-level teaching. This upheaval presented an opportunity to redesign the course in an inclusive way, consulting both with museum professionals and museum studies graduates in Finland and further afield. The resulting courses aim to implement collaboratively the preferences of these consultees, while staying true to the university’s own requirements. In this article, we reflect upon the evaluation process and offer insights that we hope are useful both to museum professionals that have (or wish to have) a relationship with a university museum studies programme, and also for the teachers and researchers involved in devising and delivering these programmes.
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In this article we shed light on the position of Finland in conversations on the movement of unprovenanced cultural objects, within the national, the Nordic and the global contexts. Finland's geopolitical position, as a " hard border " of... more
In this article we shed light on the position of Finland in conversations on the movement of unprovenanced cultural objects, within the national, the Nordic and the global contexts. Finland's geopolitical position, as a " hard border " of the European Union neighbouring the Russian Federation, and its current legislative provisions, which do not include import regulations, mean that it has the potential to be significant in understanding the movement of cultural property at transnational levels. In particular, we outline a recent initiative started at the University of Helsinki to kick-start a national debate on ethical working with cultural objects and manuscripts. We analyse exploratory research on current awareness and opinion within Finland, and summarize our current work to produce robust research ethics to guide scholars working in Finland. Although Finland has a small population and is usually absent from international discussions on the illicit movement of cultural property (save a few exceptions), we argue that it is still possible—and important—for scholars and others in Finland to affect policy and attitudes concerning art crime, provenance, and the role of stakeholders such as decision-makers, traders and the academy.
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Research Interests:
In 1990, two thieves disguised as police officers stole thirteen works of art from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, worth an estimated $500 million. Twenty seven years later the location of the paintings remains unknown... more
In 1990, two thieves disguised as police officers stole thirteen works of art from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, worth an estimated $500 million. Twenty seven years later the location of the paintings remains unknown despite thousands of hours of investigation and the recently increased offer of a $10 million reward. Stories of museum heists like this doubtless capture the public imagination, but are devastating to the places and people affected by them. Theft is not the only issue museums face in terms of security: vandalism; protest; fire; flooding; and terrorism threats are all significant issues in the museum context. The security challenges for museums are therefore complex – and not only do they need to preserve and protect cultural material in their collections, but also make it accessible and available to a range of audiences, each with differing needs.
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Many professional archaeologists will engage with television. There seems to be little guidance—other than trial and error and personal communications—for navigating interactions with media production companies. Here, through a series of... more
Many professional archaeologists will engage with television. There seems to be little guidance—other than trial and error and personal communications—for navigating interactions with media production companies. Here, through a series of informal questions and answers, I present some issues with which one might be confronted in such engagements. I base my discussions on personal experience, literature and conversations with experienced colleagues. A key point is that media production companies' agendas and priorities often differ from those of archaeologists. While the article draws on experiences from Europe and North America, it has relevance for archaeologists working with television everywhere. ________________________________________________________________ Résumé: De nombreux archéologues professionnels feront l'objet de contrats avec des e ´missions de télévision. Il semble qu'il y ait peu d'indications – autres que les essais, les erreurs et les communications personnelles – pour les aider a ` naviguer dans les interactions avec les sociétés de production de médias. Dans cet article, que je présente comme une série de questions et de réponses informelles, je tente de présenter certains problèmes avec lesquels l'on pourrait e ˆtre confronté dans des contrats avec les producteurs de télévision. Je fonde mes analyses sur mon expérience personnelle, des ouvrages et des conversations avec des collègues expérimentés. Alors que l'article s'inspire d'expériences en Europe et en Amérique du Nord, il présente un intérêt pour les archéologues qui travaillent partout avec la télévision. ________________________________________________________________
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Museums decide which events and perspectives to privilege over others in their exhibitions. In the context of "difficult" and "dark" histories - in which the subject matter might be painful, controversial or in some other way challenging... more
Museums decide which events and perspectives to privilege over others in their exhibitions. In the context of "difficult" and "dark" histories - in which the subject matter might be painful, controversial or in some other way challenging for one or more community or interest groups to reconcile with - some events may be marginalized or ignored. This may also happen due to official narratives diverting attention to other events that have come to be seen as more "important" or worthy of discussion. We explore ways that information about the Lapland War (1944-1945) is incorporated into permanent exhibitions at five Finnish museums: the Provincial Museum of Lapland; Siida - the National Museum of the Finnish Sámi; the Gold Prospector Museum; the Military Museum of Finland; and the Finnish Airforce Museum. Despite the significant social and environmental upheavals brought about by the brief but destructive conflict, it seems surprisingly rarely addressed.
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Much research on hobbyist metal detecting has either focused on the archaeological impact only, conflated hobbyism with criminal activity (namely looting and illicit trade), or generalized the motivations and drivers for metal... more
Much research on hobbyist metal detecting has either focused on the archaeological impact only, conflated hobbyism with criminal activity (namely looting and illicit trade), or generalized the motivations and drivers for metal detectorists. Studies to date have targeted specific countries and regions, with only limited reference to metal detecting activities elsewhere. This has meant that the transnational aspects of metal detecting – such as the international trade of metal-detected objects, and transnational movement of metal detectorists themselves (for example through touristic activities) – has mostly been overlooked or merely speculated upon. Much debate has revolved around assumptions, stymied by perceived ethical barriers and accepted attitudes which limit deeper engagement with the metal detecting community. Approaching the study of hobbyist metal detecting at a trans-European level would encourage greater understanding of the scale of hobbyist metal detecting and the world views, activities and contact and trade networks of metal detectorists. This may challenge traditionally-held perspectives concerning what should be valued as cultural heritage and who is entitled to make use of it. In this paper I set out our current state of knowledge, and propose directions for future research.
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This outline article presents and critiques legislation as it affects the metal detecting hobby and the archaeological profession. It considers some of the ways in which metal detectorists themselves have caused controversy but also... more
This outline article presents and critiques legislation as it affects the metal detecting hobby and the archaeological profession. It considers some of the ways in which metal detectorists themselves have caused controversy but also positive news in relation to archaeological heritage in Finland. A selection of examples of collaboration based on the authors own experiences is presented, also the impact of metal detecting on material culture and archaeological research. The continuing object-oriented focus of both metal detectorists and the media is identified. New collection and engagement strategies could enhance archaeological research, while engaging this particular section of the wider public.
Research Interests:
The use of the metal detector in archaeology, and the relationships between metal detecting enthusiasts and archaeologists, has been long discussed and analysed in different contexts. The tool itself is acknowledged to be a useful... more
The use of the metal detector in archaeology, and the relationships between metal detecting enthusiasts and archaeologists, has been long discussed and analysed in different contexts. The tool itself is acknowledged to be a useful prospecting device for use in archaeological fieldwork, and yet it has often attracted controversy in academic and professional archaeological circles due to its popularity with artefact-hunting hobbyists. in this paper, we discuss the emerging trends of metal detector use in Finland. This includes what is known about the hobbyist metal detector enthusiasts and their motivations, the extent of collaboration (or clashes) with archaeologists, and the current and potential use of metal detectors within archaeological fieldwork. SUMARIO El uso de detectores de metales en arqueología, y la relación entre los aficionados a la detec-ción de metales y los arqueólogos, ha sido ampliamente discutida y analizada en diferentes contextos. Se reconoce la utilidad de la propia herramienta como útil instrumento para la prospección en el trabajo de campo arqueológico, sin embargo, a menudo ha atraído contro-versia en círculos académicos y de arqueólogos profesionales debido a su popularidad con entusiastas de la búsqueda de objetos [arqueológicos]. En este artículo, tratamos las emergentes tendencias en el uso de aparatos detectores de metales en Finlandia. Esto incluye qué se conoce sobre los usuarios no profesionales de los aparatos detectores de metales y sus motivaciones, el grado de colaboración (o conflictos) con los arqueólogos, y el actual y potencial uso de los detectores de metales dentro del trabajo de campo arqueológico.
Research Interests:
Almost all archaeologists encounter collectors of different kinds of artefacts at some point in their career, whether it is the private collectors of financially valuable antiquities or ‘amateur archaeologists’ who have amassed personal... more
Almost all archaeologists encounter collectors of different kinds of artefacts at some point in their career, whether it is the private collectors of financially valuable antiquities or ‘amateur archaeologists’ who have amassed personal collections of local finds. In our research into the material legacy of the German presence in northern Finland during World War II, we have encountered both artefact hunters (primarily but not exclusively metal detecting enthusiasts) and artefact collectors (sometimes the same people) with a specific interest in military remains from this location and period. In this article, we explore these alternative perspectives on collecting, and frame them within the context of treasure hunters, militaria collectors and other history hobbyists, and their relationship to the ‘official’ heritage managers and curators.
Research Interests: Military History, German History, Contemporary Archaeology, Second World War, Conflict Archaeology, and 21 moreHistory of Collections, World War II, Archaeology of the Contemporary Past, Collecting and Collections, Second World War (History), Nazi Germany, Modern conflict archaeology, Battlefield Heritage Management and Metal Detecting, World War II history, History of Collecting, Sámi Studies, Waffen-SS, Nazism, Finnish History, Collectors and Collecting, Treasure Hunting, Militaria, Wehrmacht, Lapland, Archaeology and Metal Detecting, and MILITARY HISTORY WW2
Sites connected to the Second World War (WWII) are increasingly recognized as worthy of archaeological investigation. Researchers are also becoming aware that that the collectors market in objects connected to WWII, particularly those... more
Sites connected to the Second World War (WWII) are increasingly recognized as worthy of archaeological investigation. Researchers are also becoming aware that that the collectors market in objects connected to WWII, particularly those connected to Germany, is encouraging the stripping of conflict landscapes in the search for “collectors items.” Finnish Lapland is sometimes regarded as peripheral compared to more centrally located regions of Europe. Archaeologists working here nonetheless find themselves in direct competition with enthusiastic treasure hunters. This is complicated even further by the myriad ontologies employed by different individuals in the construction of their relationship with the material culture connected to recent conflict periods, and on specific “other” or “exotic” landscapes, such as Lapland.
This paper examines what might be learnt about the nature of treasure hunting for and trading in WWII material from Lapland, and its position within the emerging research on broader trends in “dark” approaches to and encounters with heritage.
This paper examines what might be learnt about the nature of treasure hunting for and trading in WWII material from Lapland, and its position within the emerging research on broader trends in “dark” approaches to and encounters with heritage.
Research Interests: Military History, German Studies, Archaeology, Historical Archaeology, German History, and 33 moreWar Studies, Dark Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Second World War, Conflict Archaeology, Battlefield Archaeology, Russian History, World War II, Archaeology of the Contemporary Past, Collecting and Collections, Eastern Front, German, Second World War (History), Military, Nazi Germany, Modern conflict archaeology, Finland, Germany, Battlefield Heritage Management and Metal Detecting, World War II history, History of Collecting, Waffen-SS, Nazism, The Archaeology of the Recent Past, Finnish History, Battlefield Tourism, Battlefield Heritage Tourism, Wehrmacht, Lapland, History of Finland, Archaeology and Metal Detecting, Foreign Volunteers In Wehrmacht and Waffen SS и Operation Barbarossa
Museums are an integral part of the cultural life of societies. As well as having intangible value, many collections may also have considerable financial value and present a temptation to thieves. Furthermore, threats exist from... more
Museums are an integral part of the cultural life of societies. As well as having intangible value, many collections may also have considerable financial value and present a temptation to thieves. Furthermore, threats exist from accidents, natural disasters, and vandalism, among many other risks that have to be taken into account when building up museums security measures. In recent years, high-profile art thefts from museums and even, regrettably, acts of terror have drawn attention to the vulnerability of museum institutions as sites of crime and catastrophe. In particular, balancing visitor enjoyment and accessibility of the exhibits with security can be difficult for many. Despite awareness of these concerns, museums security remains to date under-represented in museological discourses, perhaps in part because of its perceived pragmatic nature. Another reason may be the difficulty of discussing in a meaningful way information that is often confidential and sensitive. In this paper, based on research carried out in Finland and England, we aim to analyse some of the key issues for museums security, which, whilst observed in northern European settings, also have relevance for museums globally. We set this discussion against the backdrop of ethical considerations and present our methodology for gathering the data and for discussing our results in a way which is both sensitive to confidentiality issues and still of use to the wider security, museums, and cultural heritage sectors.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
What do archaeologists do when approached by groups or individuals with unorthodox, or even simply inappropriate, approaches to, and ideas about the past? What should they do? While much guidance and literature points to education and... more
What do archaeologists do when approached by groups or individuals with unorthodox, or even simply inappropriate, approaches to, and ideas about the past? What should they do? While much guidance and literature points to education and engagement, in some of the more sensitive or difficult cases it is often more appealing, and simpler, to ignore the issue, in the hopes that it will simply go away. Similarly, on occasions when archaeologists step forward to criticize alternative approaches to archaeological heritage, this does not always meet with positive or desired results. In this paper, in light of recent personal experience with a controversial piece of television programming, I discuss different approaches to responding to challenges to the expertise (and authority) of archaeologists by problematic encounters with concepts of the past. I suggest that while there are arguments in support of (and against) all three of the approaches that I identify (collaboration, condemnation, or ignoring), none provide an absolute solution. In order to discuss these approaches, I draw upon key cases from the literature, as well as personal reflection.
Que font les archéologues lorsqu'ils sont abordés par des groupes ou individus avec des approches et idées peu orthodoxes, ou même carrément inappropriées par rapport au passé? Comment devraient-ils réagir? Tandis que conseils et littérature prônent le plus souvent éducation et engagement, dans des cas plus délicats ou difficiles il peut s'avérer plus simple et attrayant d'ignorer le problème en espérant qu'il va tout simplement disparaître. De même, quand les archéologues s'avancent pour critiquer des approches ‘différentes’ vis-à-vis du patrimoine archéologique, les résultats sont loin d'être toujours positifs ou tels qu'on les avait souhaités. Dans cet article, et suite à mes récentes expériences personnelles avec une émission télévisée controversée, j'examine plusieurs approches différentes répondant aux défis posés aux compétences (et à l'autorité) des archéologues par des confrontations problématiques avec les concepts du passé. Tandis qu'il existe des arguments pour (et contre) les trois approches que j'ai identifiées (collaborer, condamner ou ignorer), je suggère qu'aucune d'entre elles ne procure une solution parfaite. Je me réfère à des cas exemplaires de la littérature ainsi qu'à ma réflexion personnelle pour analyser ces démarches. Translation by Isabelle Gerges.
Was tun Archäologen, wenn Gruppen oder Einzelpersonen mit unorthodoxen oder schlichtweg unzutreffenden Deutungen und Ideen zur Vergangenheit an sie herantreten? Was sollten sie tun? Während viele Hinweise und Literatur Bildung und Engagement hervorheben, ist es bei manchen der sensibleren oder schwierigeren Fälle verlockender und einfacher, das Problem in der Hoffnung, es möge einfach verschwinden, zu ignorieren. Gleichermaßen führt es, wenn Archäologen sich exponieren, um „andere' Ansätze zum archäologischen Erbe kritisch zu werten, nicht immer zu positiven oder gewünschten Resultaten. In diesem Beitrag diskutiert die Autorin vor dem Hintergrund persönlicher Erfahrungen mit einem kontroversen Beitrag eines Fernsehprogrammes verschiedene Ansätze, um Infragestellungen der Expertise (und Autorität) von Archäologen bei problematischen Auseinandersetzungen mit Konzepten der Vergangenheit zu begegnen. Die Verfasserin führt aus, dass, obwohl es Argumente für (und wider) alle drei Möglichkeiten, nämlich Zusammenarbeit, Verurteilung und Ignorierung gibt, keine von ihnen eine absolute Lösung darstellt. Um diese Ansätze zu diskutieren, werden Fallstudien aus der Literatur sowie auch persönliche Erlebnisse herangezogen. Translation by Heiner Schwarzberg.
Que font les archéologues lorsqu'ils sont abordés par des groupes ou individus avec des approches et idées peu orthodoxes, ou même carrément inappropriées par rapport au passé? Comment devraient-ils réagir? Tandis que conseils et littérature prônent le plus souvent éducation et engagement, dans des cas plus délicats ou difficiles il peut s'avérer plus simple et attrayant d'ignorer le problème en espérant qu'il va tout simplement disparaître. De même, quand les archéologues s'avancent pour critiquer des approches ‘différentes’ vis-à-vis du patrimoine archéologique, les résultats sont loin d'être toujours positifs ou tels qu'on les avait souhaités. Dans cet article, et suite à mes récentes expériences personnelles avec une émission télévisée controversée, j'examine plusieurs approches différentes répondant aux défis posés aux compétences (et à l'autorité) des archéologues par des confrontations problématiques avec les concepts du passé. Tandis qu'il existe des arguments pour (et contre) les trois approches que j'ai identifiées (collaborer, condamner ou ignorer), je suggère qu'aucune d'entre elles ne procure une solution parfaite. Je me réfère à des cas exemplaires de la littérature ainsi qu'à ma réflexion personnelle pour analyser ces démarches. Translation by Isabelle Gerges.
Was tun Archäologen, wenn Gruppen oder Einzelpersonen mit unorthodoxen oder schlichtweg unzutreffenden Deutungen und Ideen zur Vergangenheit an sie herantreten? Was sollten sie tun? Während viele Hinweise und Literatur Bildung und Engagement hervorheben, ist es bei manchen der sensibleren oder schwierigeren Fälle verlockender und einfacher, das Problem in der Hoffnung, es möge einfach verschwinden, zu ignorieren. Gleichermaßen führt es, wenn Archäologen sich exponieren, um „andere' Ansätze zum archäologischen Erbe kritisch zu werten, nicht immer zu positiven oder gewünschten Resultaten. In diesem Beitrag diskutiert die Autorin vor dem Hintergrund persönlicher Erfahrungen mit einem kontroversen Beitrag eines Fernsehprogrammes verschiedene Ansätze, um Infragestellungen der Expertise (und Autorität) von Archäologen bei problematischen Auseinandersetzungen mit Konzepten der Vergangenheit zu begegnen. Die Verfasserin führt aus, dass, obwohl es Argumente für (und wider) alle drei Möglichkeiten, nämlich Zusammenarbeit, Verurteilung und Ignorierung gibt, keine von ihnen eine absolute Lösung darstellt. Um diese Ansätze zu diskutieren, werden Fallstudien aus der Literatur sowie auch persönliche Erlebnisse herangezogen. Translation by Heiner Schwarzberg.
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This paper examines the apparently growing phenomenon of architectural and design theft in Finland. Finnish design is world-renowned, with key architects and designers, not least the iconic modernist Alvar Aalto, achieving recognition and... more
This paper examines the apparently growing phenomenon of architectural and design theft in Finland. Finnish design is world-renowned, with key architects and designers, not least the iconic modernist Alvar Aalto, achieving recognition and admiration on a global level. Many key modernist buildings within Finland are protected by various laws, as are, in some cases, their internal fixtures, and objects of design over fifty years of age of which a limited series has been produced legally require an export licence. However, in recent years the demand overseas for vintage Nordic design seems to have led to architectural theft and illegal exportation. Vulnerable objects range from easy-to-remove door handles through to entire sets of railings, meaning that original furniture in public buildings is no longer safe. This paper discusses the possible causes for this phenomenon, examines the legal protection available for key design, and suggests possible measures for increasing protection of this twentieth-century cultural heritage. A number of significant and recent case studies, particularly centring on the work of Alvar Aalto, are drawn upon to illustrate the situation.
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Mention of Finland, like many other northern European countries, is largely absent from discussions of the global trafficking of cultural objects. However, its proximity to the Russian Federation (historically a source of looted objects... more
Mention of Finland, like many other northern European countries, is largely absent from discussions of the global trafficking of cultural objects. However, its proximity to the Russian Federation (historically a source of looted objects such as Orthodox icons and other religious art), as well as its apparent attractiveness as a route of transit, at least for the legal market in cultural objects, suggest that focus on Finland would be a valuable exercise in
understanding the wider transnational movement of cultural objects, within the Baltic and Nordic regions and beyond. Indeed, the lack of any import regulation for cultural objects entering Finland, along with its pivotal role as a ‘hard border’ nation of the European Union and Schengen Area, suggest an ‘invisible’ problem, as yet under-researched and underrecorded. This paper aims to initiate discussion of the roles of seemingly unassuming nations within the backdrop of a regional and international context.
understanding the wider transnational movement of cultural objects, within the Baltic and Nordic regions and beyond. Indeed, the lack of any import regulation for cultural objects entering Finland, along with its pivotal role as a ‘hard border’ nation of the European Union and Schengen Area, suggest an ‘invisible’ problem, as yet under-researched and underrecorded. This paper aims to initiate discussion of the roles of seemingly unassuming nations within the backdrop of a regional and international context.
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Brian Hope-Taylor (1923–2001) is remembered as one of the first archaeologists in the United Kingdom to introduce the discipline to a wider audience, through presenting television programmes in the 1960s. He also oversaw numerous... more
Brian Hope-Taylor (1923–2001) is remembered as one of the first archaeologists in the United Kingdom to introduce the discipline to a wider audience, through presenting television programmes in the 1960s. He also oversaw numerous excavations. The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) is known for being an educational charity, with the protection of the UK’s archaeological heritage and historic environment central to its activities. What is perhaps less well-known is that, in the 1940s, Hope-Taylor was behind a proposal to the CBA to introduce a campaign of ‘cheerful propaganda’, in order to raise awareness among the wider public about chance archaeological finds and their significance, and hence to persuade them to report these discoveries to appropriate ‘experts’. This paper uses archival evidence and the existing literature to examine, within a historical context, the proposed scheme. Had it come to fruition, it would have introduced principles and mechanisms for public reporting and recording of archaeological discoveries comparable to those laid out by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which itself did not come to fruition for another five decades.
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... Common ground: the rise of community archaeology. Autores: Suzie Thomas; Localización: Current archaeology, ISSN 0011-3212, Nº. 247, 2010 , págs. 28-31. Fundación Dialnet. Acceso de usuarios registrados. Acceso de usuarios registrados... more
... Common ground: the rise of community archaeology. Autores: Suzie Thomas; Localización: Current archaeology, ISSN 0011-3212, Nº. 247, 2010 , págs. 28-31. Fundación Dialnet. Acceso de usuarios registrados. Acceso de usuarios registrados Usuario. Contraseña. Entrar. ...
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Scholarly research of cultural heritage has faced paradigmatic changes during the past few decades. These changes have occurred in part as a reaction to diverse social, political, economic and cultural transformations of societies and... more
Scholarly research of cultural heritage has faced paradigmatic changes during the past few decades. These changes have occurred in part as a reaction to diverse social, political, economic and cultural transformations of societies and traditional foundations of nation states. Today’s world, characterized by networked agencies, global cultural flows, cultural hybridity and movement of people within and across borders, contextualizes the idea of heritage in new ways. It challenges its previous core function as a bedrock of monocultural nation-building projects, a continuation of elitist cultural canons, and as upholding Eurocentric cultural values. As a part of this transformation, consensual heritage narratives about the nation and national identity have been questioned and contested through various identity claims below and above the national narrative – and within it (e.g. Ashworth, Graham and Tunbridge 2007, Labadi 2007; Smith 2006). A range of communities, defined either geographically or by cultural, social, economic, ethnic, religious, or linguistic experiences, have increasingly asserted the legitimacy of their collective identities and of their heritage as this identity’s manifestation (Smith 2006). These developments have brought heritage research into a new critical phase.
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In this short and at times self-reflective article, I outline some of the research already carried out on museum and cultural heritage volunteers. I reflect upon my personal experiences working in various museums and heritage... more
In this short and at times self-reflective article, I outline some of
the research already carried out on museum and cultural heritage
volunteers. I reflect upon my personal experiences working
in various museums and heritage organizations in England. I identify some of the volunteer motivations, as well as some of
the main ways in which volunteers can contribute their time and
skills to museum work. Finally, I suggest potential challenges
as well as benefits of incorporating volunteer management into
museum work.
the research already carried out on museum and cultural heritage
volunteers. I reflect upon my personal experiences working
in various museums and heritage organizations in England. I identify some of the volunteer motivations, as well as some of
the main ways in which volunteers can contribute their time and
skills to museum work. Finally, I suggest potential challenges
as well as benefits of incorporating volunteer management into
museum work.
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In this article I will first provide an overview of what is known about the global trade in cultural objects. Drawing on the latest research, I will describe the different proposed stages in the trafficking process. I will then focus on... more
In this article I will first provide an overview of
what is known about the global trade in cultural
objects. Drawing on the latest research, I will describe
the different proposed stages in the trafficking
process. I will then focus on the conditions in Finland
which, like several other northern European
countries, is largely absent from discussions of the
global trafficking of cultural objects.
what is known about the global trade in cultural
objects. Drawing on the latest research, I will describe
the different proposed stages in the trafficking
process. I will then focus on the conditions in Finland
which, like several other northern European
countries, is largely absent from discussions of the
global trafficking of cultural objects.
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Much of the recent literature has discussed the various stages in the criminal market for looted cultural objects, and the different actors that are present at each of these stages. For many of the best-documented types of looted cultural... more
Much of the recent literature has discussed the various stages in the criminal market for looted cultural objects, and the different actors that are present at each of these stages. For many of the best-documented types of looted cultural object, often at the higher end of the price spectrum, these stages are represented by quite diverse groups and individuals such as subsistence diggers, auction houses and wealthy collectors. In the case of lower-end objects, however, which are perhaps more common, of lower artistic quality, in a worse state of preservation or intrinsically made of less expensive material, it is possible to see the same individuals acting at all stages of the process. In other words, the person who finds and digs up an object also transports or arranges to transport it (sometimes smuggling it over national borders), sells it, and is a collector of similar objects in their own right. This ‘multiple-role actor’ scenario is particularly prevalent in the phenomenon of hobbyist metal detecting. In this paper, I will first outline the accepted model for trafficking in cultural objects, before relating this to what we know about metal-detector users and their interaction with the market.
Research Interests: Illicit Antiquities Trade, Metal-Detecting and Archaeology, Archaeology; Looting, Protection of Cultural Heritage from Illicit Trafficking, Repatriation of Antiquities, Antiquities Looting, and 6 moreArchaeology and Metal Detecting, Portable Antiquities, Archaeological Looting, Trafficking of Cultural Objects, Nighthawking, and Trade In Antiquities
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Since the Valletta Convention (1992), the debate concerning non-professional archaeological metal-detecting in Europe has been conducted largely at the level of individual legislations. Papers in this Topical Issue take stock of current... more
Since the Valletta Convention (1992), the debate concerning non-professional archaeological metal-detecting in Europe has been conducted largely at the level of individual legislations. Papers in this Topical Issue take stock of current knowledge of and attitudes towards metal-detecting across Europe; its nature and impact as well as the policies and approaches that arise from it within professional archaeology and heritage management. With this collection of papers, the editors aim to stimulate a more unified debate and, ultimately, a common understanding of ethics and best practices in relation to metal-detecting that transcends national and jurisdictional boundaries in Europe.
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Cultural environments have proven a rich area for research, discussion and representation. This was demonstrated well in TAHITI6: the 2015 National Conference of Art History in Finland. It was an excellent event – and for me as a (still)... more
Cultural environments have proven a rich area for research, discussion and representation. This was demonstrated well in TAHITI6: the 2015 National Conference of Art History in Finland. It was an excellent event – and for me as a (still) relative newcomer to the Finnish academic community it was a rich and warmly welcoming experience. Also my first time visiting Jyväskylä – and definitely not the last.
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As a still relatively new person to Finnish academia, it has been interesting, and sadly familiar, recently to see discussions in the press about the economic relevance of graduates from the arts and humanities. In the Helsingin Sanomat... more
As a still relatively new person to Finnish academia, it has been interesting, and sadly familiar, recently to see discussions in the press about the economic relevance of graduates from the arts and humanities. In the Helsingin Sanomat on 5th June, Juhani Korhonen suggested (translated by a friend from the original Finnish), that “it is necessary to ask whether for example ethnology, archaeology and theater are fields whose workers we need to survive the recession”. We could guess that he may well have been thinking of the related subjects of art history and museology, too.
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As part of a two-month research visit supported by my Faculty at the University of Helsinki, I am staying in Norman, Oklahoma, based at the University of Oklahoma’s (OU) Department of Anthropology. A key purpose of this visit, in addition... more
As part of a two-month research visit supported by my Faculty at the University of Helsinki, I am staying in Norman, Oklahoma, based at the University of Oklahoma’s (OU) Department of Anthropology. A key purpose of this visit, in addition to exposing me to a different university setting and providing time to focus on writing, is to see first-hand the range of public archaeology activities on offer across the state. Like several other states, Oklahoma has an Archaeological Survey, (Oklahoma Archaeological Survey – OAS) which is making significant headway in developing public outreach and participation opportunities for a wide variety of visitors. The event I review here was a joint OU Department of Anthropology, OAS, and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes-sponsored event.
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Research Interests: Cultural Heritage Law, Repatriation (Archaeology), Illicit Antiquities Trade, Germany, Estonia, and 7 moreProtection of Cultural Heritage from Illicit Trafficking, Repatriation of Antiquities, Viking silver hoard, Archaeology and Metal Detecting, Heritage Crime, Estonian archaeology, Viking Hoards, and Viking Age Silver
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Research Interests: Maritime Archaeology, First World War, Illicit Antiquities Trade, Underwater Archaeology, Shipwrecks, and 7 moreBritish Archaeology, Orkney, Scottish Archaeology, Protection of Cultural Heritage from Illicit Trafficking, Repatriation of Antiquities, Historic Shipwrecks/ Conservation of Marine Artifacts, Heritage Crime, and Illegal Diving
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This Spring School will compare innovative experiences of community participative research in Archaeology (in Spain, UK, Norway, Italy and Palestine among other countries) taking into account the different legal and administrative... more
This Spring School will compare innovative experiences of community participative research in Archaeology (in Spain, UK, Norway, Italy and Palestine among other countries) taking into account the different legal and administrative frameworks. This Spring School will be held in Tenno and Riva del Garda (Trento, Italy) from 9th to 13th April 2018.