pia-430-matsuda

The Concept of ‘the Public’ and the Aims of Public Archaeology

Introduction

  • Public archaeology: Emerged in the 1970s, focusing on external societal structures, moving beyond traditional academic archaeology.

  • Importance of clearly defining ‘the public’ to understand public archaeology's aims.

  • Two interpretations of ‘the public’:

    • Associated with the state.

    • Associated with the people.

  • Habermas’ concept of the public sphere used to encourage engagement and democratic debate.

Emergence and Development of Public Archaeology

  • Coined in the US; McGimsey's 1972 book emphasized the public right to knowledge.

  • Public archaeology diverges from traditional archaeology, examining its relationship with contemporary society and associated cultural, economic, and political factors.

  • Acknowledged that archaeology cannot remain isolated from social interests.

  • Public archaeology encourages archaeologists to engage with the public.

Definition and Aims of Public Archaeology

  • Definitions:

    • Schadla-Hall: Concerned with any archaeological activity interacting with the public.

    • Ascherson: Focused on archaeology within the realms of economic conflict and political struggle.

  • Public archaeology aims to create an ‘archaeology for the public’ and should strive for critical discussions and public involvement.

  • The concept of ‘the public’ in public archaeology is essential in defining its objectives.

The Concept of ‘the Public’

  • Public vs. Private Distinction:

    • Traditional distinctions relate to the state and authority (Giddens & Weber).

    • Private associated with family; public covers broader societal interest.

  • The modern state’s influence often leaves limited room for public involvement in decision-making.

  • Cultural Resource Management (CRM) often prioritizes public interest but may exclude non-archaeologists from archaeology engagement.

  • Need for a more inclusive definition of ‘the public’ to enable better participation.

Habermas’ Concept of the Public Sphere

  • Definition: A space where private individuals engage in rational-critical debate over common concerns.

  • Public sphere transformed from abstract public authority to concrete practices by private citizens.

  • Possesses two key features:

    1. Openness and inclusiveness for participation.

    2. Rational-critical debate driven by reason rather than authority.

Creating a Public Sphere in Archaeology

  • Public archaeology should aim to develop a democratic public sphere encouraging dialogue among all stakeholders.

  • Practical examples include periodicals and websites that facilitate public discourse.

  • Challenges persist due to potential disengagement of non-archaeologists and disparities in knowledge levels.

  • Balance between quantity and quality of debate is necessary; Habermas warned about the degradation of discourse due to mass culture.

The Heritage Debate

  • 1980s and 1990s: Critique of the heritage industry for nurturing superficial understandings of the past.

  • Arguments for popular origins of heritage reveal public interest in a deeper comprehension.

  • Need to analyze the production and consumption of archaeological information to understand public engagement with archaeology.

Applying Arguments: Archaeological Perceptions in Somma Vesuviana

  • Research focuses on local perceptions of archaeology and participation dynamics.

  • Aims to create a forum that engages local understandings of archaeology, fostering a true public archaeology.

  • Acknowledges diverse public interpretations of archaeological information, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and critical engagement.

Conclusion

  • Ongoing research in Somma Vesuviana tests the theoretical framework of public archaeology.

  • Identifying conditions for achieving a public sphere in archaeology remains critical.

  • Highlighting the importance of recognizing public voices in archaeological discourse to enhance public engagement.

Summary of Public Archaeology Concepts

Introduction

  • Public archaeology emerged in the 1970s, emphasizing engagement with societal structures.

  • Key interpretations of ‘the public’: linked to the state and the people, inviting democratic dialogue.

Development of Public Archaeology

  • Coined in the US; highlighted by McGimsey's 1972 work stressing the public's right to archaeological knowledge.

  • Diverges from traditional archaeology, emphasizing its social relevance and public engagement.

Definitions and Objectives

  • Definitions:

    • Schadla-Hall: Interaction of archaeology with public

    • Ascherson: Focus on economic and political struggles in archaeology.

  • Aims to create participatory archaeology fostering critical discussions.

Understanding ‘the Public’

  • Distinction between public (societal interest) and private (family).

  • Limited public involvement due to the modern state's influence, highlighting CRM's priorities may exclude broader engagement.

Habermas’ Public Sphere

  • Defined as a rational-critical debate space for common concerns, marked by openness and reason-driven discussions.

Creating a Public Sphere in Archaeology

  • Encourage dialogue among stakeholders through journals and online platforms, while addressing knowledge disparities.

The Heritage Debate

  • Critique of the heritage industry for fostering superficial understanding.

  • Emphasizes examining the production/consumption of archaeological knowledge for deeper public engagement.

Case Study: Somma Vesuviana

  • Focuses on local perceptions of archaeology striving for inclusivity and critical dialogue in public archaeology.

Conclusion

  • Research in Somma Vesuviana seeks to apply public archaeology's framework and emphasize acknowledging public voices in the discourse.