School of Historical and Philosophical Studies - Theses
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ItemCollections at risk: an examination of archaeological collections management practices in the Near East( 2015)The primary research objective of this doctoral thesis is to analyse current archaeological collections management practices in the Near East. The research aims to fill a noticeable gap in existing knowledge by examining the key factors which effect the long-term survival of archaeological collections. Post-colonial legacies in much of the Near East continue to influence the way in which archaeological collections are managed. Historical, political, cultural and social factors contribute to the current problems. But increasingly, local governments require archaeologists and their funding institutions to play a greater role and take more responsibility for preserving the archaeological collections they create. The research demonstrates that improved practices for managing archaeological collections are required. The thesis reviews cultural heritage legislation from Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey to determine what is legally required when managing archaeological collections at archaeological sites. It further reviews international charters, conventions, standards and guidelines to determine what constitutes ‘quality’ practice and ‘minimum’ standards when managing on-site collections. In doing so, it is possible to identify existing gaps in cultural heritage legislation for caring for archaeological collections. The research examines the processes through which archaeological collections pass by conducting a survey of some sixty archaeologists, conservators and curators who work in the Near East. It analyses data about the pre-excavation planning, excavation and post-excavation stages of archaeological projects. It identifies quality, conservation-led strategies suited to the whole archaeological process. The scope incorporates the early stages of research design to the eventual curation of archaeological collections in on-site depots, museums or repositories. The roles which influence sustainability that archaeologists, conservators and curators play in managing archaeological collections are considered. Observations from five case-study sites allow insight into how archaeological collections are created, preserved and managed. Quantitative and qualitative data help identify actual artefact accumulation rates and allow future space requirement projections. The study identifies strategies for sustainably managing archaeological collections which form the basis of an Archaeological Collections Management Plan (ACMP).